Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee injury and asthmatic bronchitis were denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). The BVA found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Board has denied all the claims, including service connection for various conditions and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperaldosteronism, chronic right ankle arthritic disorder, chronic left ankle arthritic disorder, chronic right hand arthritic disorder, chronic left hand arthritic disorder, and chronic bronchitis. The evidence did not support current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran's claimed respiratory conditions, including asthmatic bronchitis and emphysema, are not service-connected. His hypertension is also not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence, including a need for SSA records and VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after all necessary steps are taken.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and other relevant medical evidence. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions, including fibroids, anxiety, leg pain, hypertension, migraine headaches, and chronic bronchitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional STRs and private treatment records. The RO will attempt to locate missing STRs, particularly those related to his foot condition, chronic bronchitis, bladder condition, and peripheral neuropathy. They must also seek any relevant VA medical records from November 2007 onwards.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, present in service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner opined that the current bronchitis is less likely than not caused by military service. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD with bronchitis did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation, as his FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC were within the range of 40 to 55 percent predicted. Therefore, he was denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient notice and inadequate examination for service connection of a psychiatric disorder and an increased rating for chronic bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to a finding of current respiratory disability and the need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for asthmatic bronchitis, finding that the Veteran's respiratory disorder was present in service and persisted to the present time. The presumption of soundness at entry into service is applicable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and bronchitis, finding no evidence of chronic disability related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for schizophrenia due to new and material evidence. However, the Veteran's bronchitis was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic prostatitis, hepatitis C, and chronic bronchitis were denied. The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for hepatitis C and chronic bronchitis prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and its impact on his employment. The RO/AMC is instructed to obtain additional medical records, including from Social Security Administration, and schedule an examination for a more detailed assessment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, a left shoulder disorder, chronic bronchitis, or a back disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no new evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.