Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2008

The Board denied service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hemorrhoids, finding that the conditions were not related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete evidence and the need for additional examinations. The RO will secure all relevant medical records, arrange for VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his respiratory condition and PTSD.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of chronic bronchitis during service or post-service, and thus the veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and a skin condition, finding that there was no evidence of such conditions during service or related to service.

The veteran's DJD of both knees, right knee, and left knee were all rated at 10 percent prior to August 23, 2004. Since then, the right knee was rated at 10 percent for extension limited to 10 degrees, but not more than 15 degrees or flexion limited to 45 degrees. The left knee was also rated at 10 percent for similar reasons. The lumbar spine syndesmophyte with anterolateral bony osteophytosis at L2, L3, L4, and L5 did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to September 26, 2003. Since then, the cervical spine strain with paramedial herniated nucleus pulposus and impingement was rated as noncompensable due to forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees. The post-operative residuals of the right shoulder (major) were also rated at a noncompensable level. Finally, the veteran's bronchitis was rated at a noncompensable level prior to February 21, 2008, and since then, it has been rated as noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disability (diagnosed as COPD and bronchitis) on the basis of aggravation during active duty.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a chronic pulmonary disorder, including bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis. The Board has ordered remand due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's service-connected recurrent pneumonia (claimed as lung condition/bronchitis) alone prevents him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic asthmatic bronchitis and entitlement to special monthly pension (SMP) on account of being in need of aid and attendance (A&A). The Board found that there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to active duty, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current respiratory disorder, including bronchitis and emphysema, is related to his service and has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis and bronchitis, finding that they are not related to his military service. The appeal was decided on a direct basis as there were no diagnoses of these conditions during or shortly after his active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bronchitis and bronchiectasis are residuals of his service-connected pneumonia, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bronchitis and asthma, as well as the reopening of claims for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis C. The veteran's current respiratory conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure of the veteran to attend a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymia with anxiety and a TDIU rating, but the effective date remains August 24, 1998.

The Board found no relationship between the veteran's in-service symptoms and her current conditions, leading to a denial of service connection for both hysterectomy and bronchitis.

The Board has determined that the residuals of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis were not incurred or aggravated during service, and therefore denied these claims.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and he is now entitled to VA benefits related to this condition. His claims for lung disorder, wrist injury, and skin disorder are pending.