Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, including bronchitis and COPD, is not related to her military service. The most competent evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or connection.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and traumatic arthropathy with excoriation of the left great toe, but denied service connection for sinus disorder, bronchitis, and TBI.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, lumbosacral disability, bronchitis, gastritis, bilateral upper extremity paresthesias, bilateral wrist strain, residuals of bilateral big toe fractures, and headaches have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis has been rated at 10 percent since March 7, 2007. Her pulmonary function tests have consistently shown levels that meet the criteria for a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's claimed chronic lung disorder was not shown to be related to service or an event of service origin, and the Board found that there is no etiological relationship between the origin and/or severity of any lung disorder and service.

The Veteran's bronchitis was initially granted and rated at 10 percent prior to July 14, 2006. The RO increased the rating to 60 percent effective April 12, 2004. Since then, the RO has continued the 60 percent rating until a September 2006 decision which again applied the 60 percent rating effective July 14, 2006.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at North Oak Regional Medical Center from November 23 to 28, 2006 were for treatment of a continued medical emergency related to his cardiovascular problems. The Board found that the criteria for payment or reimbursement have been met and granted the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bronchitis has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and bronchitis are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have insomnia or bronchitis, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and PTSD), hearing loss, tinnitus, a groin disorder, and bilateral foot disability are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for the claims to reopen service connection for myopia and presbyopia, umbilical hernia, external otitis, right and left molar extractions, bronchitis, and pain due vasectomy.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, including asthma and bronchitis, is being remanded for further examination to determine its etiology. The claim will also be reviewed in light of the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's recurrent chronic bronchitis did not meet criteria for a higher rating, and his mid to upper back strain did not meet criteria for an increase in rating beyond 10 percent.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current respiratory disability related to service, including exposure to asbestos. The VA examinations did not support a finding of asbestosis or any other chronic lung disease due to service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic lung disease, including bronchitis, COPD, and asbestosis. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and seeking an examination.

The Veteran's death was ruled as undetermined natural causes, with chronic bronchitis listed among significant conditions contributing to his death. The VA physician could not determine if the service-connected chronic bronchitis caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a skin disorder, an initial compensable rating for bronchitis, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to their decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and a blood clot in the lung, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure. The claim for degenerative bone disease was not perfected.

The Veteran's asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis required the use of outpatient oxygen therapy from January 15, 2010 onward. From June 14, 2004, his PTSD was productive of more than occupational and social impairment with an occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.