Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected sinusitis warranted a rating of 30 percent, which is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 6513. The issue of service connection for bronchitis was also granted.

The Board found that the objective medical evidence did not establish current cold weather injury residuals to the ears, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The respiratory disorder claim is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records.

The veteran's service-connected bronchitis was granted a 10 percent rating from July 1, 1998 to April 13, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bronchitis secondary to exposure to oil well fires during the veteran's deployment in Operation Desert Storm.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation or service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to determine if the veteran's preexisting stomach condition was aggravated by active duty.

The Board has granted a 60% evaluation for service-connected residuals of bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from February 13, 2004. The effective date for the grant of a 100% evaluation is set at December 20, 2004.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected chronic bronchitis is being remanded due to the need for proper notice, additional VA medical records, and a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and a gastrointestinal disorder, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within the presumptive period following service. The diagnoses provided were attributed to known clinical diagnoses rather than an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and a rating in excess of 20 percent for rheumatoid arthritis. The veteran did not meet the criteria to establish current diagnoses or show that his conditions were related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's pulmonary disabilities, including restrictive lung disease, COPD, and bronchitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The presumption of soundness at entry is rebutted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA respiratory examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bronchitis and increased the rating for biceps tendonitis of the right shoulder to 30 percent, effective December 4, 2007. The veteran's claims for other conditions are pending.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for chronic bronchitis and a right wrist disability, to include carpal tunnel syndrome. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, breathing problems (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rhinitis), erectile dysfunction, neck disability, sleep apnea, and increased rating for chronic back strain. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, COPD and bronchitis with upper respiratory infection, and recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected allergic bronchitis with a history of pneumonia does not warrant a rating higher than 60 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence or opinion suggesting a medical nexus between the veteran's claimed respiratory and skin disabilities and his active military service, including periods of ACDUTRA. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues and the need for proper VCAA notice regarding increased ratings.