Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for seasonal allergic rhinitis with sinusitis and recurrent bronchitis, as well as right sartorius strain, were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis, finding no current disability and concluding that the April 1992 diagnosis of acute bronchitis was a one-time occurrence during military service.

The Board found that the veteran's bronchitis was not incurred in service and denied her claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center from January 25, 2003 to January 27, 2003 was denied as the conditions did not require immediate medical attention.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate was denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent disabling with additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent, nor was he shown to be substantially confined to his home by reason of his service-connected disabilities prior to October 27, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's current respiratory disorder is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for bronchitis, a psychiatric disorder, and a gastrointestinal disorder. The claims are being returned to the RO/AMC for further proceedings.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of hernia repair. The veteran underwent a hernia repair while in service and the separation examination noted an umbilical hernia repair scar.

The Board finds that the veteran's right second metatarsal fracture, labyrinthitis, and upper respiratory infection/bronchitis are all service-connected. However, there is no current evidence of a chronic disability for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, otitis media, a cyst in the ear (cholesteatoma), and a respiratory disorder. The Board found that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, finding no competent medical evidence linking his current diagnoses of COPD and bronchitis to service or exposure to asbestos in service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying stressor events.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current lower back disability, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.,Service connection for insomnia is granted as it was incurred during active duty.

The VA determined that the veteran's chronic bronchitis does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, based on recent pulmonary function tests showing FEV-1 of 69% predicted and DLCO (SB) of 76.7%. The condition has not progressed to levels requiring more severe ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic bronchitis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran did not incur additional physical disability, diagnosed as left shoulder dislocation, due to VA's prescription of antihypertensive medication in April 2004. The proximate cause was not reasonably foreseeable. As for the lung disorder claim, no examination or opinion has been provided yet.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for infectious hepatitis and pulmonary disorders, finding new and material evidence. However, it denied these claims as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during service or that any current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for additional information about the veteran's health.