Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for a right lung disorder manifested by lesions/granulomas, and denied for the other conditions listed. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of gall bladder removal and bronchitis were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include schizophrenia and granted her claim. The Board also found that she had chronic bronchitis, but did not assign a rating or effective date as there was no evidence showing a current disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bronchitis with asthmatic component is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis, claimed as a respiratory disorder, is service-connected based on evidence showing it was first manifested during his active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in July 2000. The claim is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to include bronchitis, and residuals of pneumonia were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence supporting the claimed conditions. However, new and material evidence was received in some cases, reopening the claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of service-connected chronic bronchitis, currently rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis with bronchiectasis has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions have been completed.

The Veteran's chronic bronchitis was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The Board found the VA examination report more probative than the Veteran's lay assertions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for aching joints, stomach problems and an ulcer, respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches, and memory loss. The evidence submitted since the last final denial is both new and material.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diagnosed as asthma and asthmatic bronchitis, is aggravated by his right maxillary sinusitis. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's bronchitis has been rated at 10 percent since November 10, 2004. The VA determined that the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on FEV-1 or DLCO (SB) results.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including bronchitis), is presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange during service. However, the peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, as new and material evidence was submitted. The claim is now reviewed on its merits.