Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current leg disorder, lung disorder, urinary disorder, or prostatitis related to service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Capital Regional Medical Center on February 3, 2011 were denied as the care was not rendered for a service-connected disability or one associated therewith. VA facilities were found to be feasibly available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including chronic bronchitis and asthma, as well as an initial compensatory rating for the residuals of a fracture of the mandible were denied due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing and clarifying the appellant's representation status.

The Veteran's bronchitis is characterized by FEV-1 of 70.7 percent of predicted and an FEV-1/FVC of 75 percent, which meets the criteria for a 60% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6600.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for bronchitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the extent and severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability, including subacute bronchitis, finding no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after discharge. The Board also found that there was insufficient medical evidence to support a link between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including respiratory disorders and ankle, hand, knee, and hip issues. The Veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the evaluations for sinusitis and bronchitis prior to September 12, 2006. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider these claims.

The Board has scheduled a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran to address her claims of service connection for various conditions. The appeal is currently in remand status due to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of his chronic bronchitis, as well as the issue of residuals of pneumonia are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, sinusitis and chronic rhinitis are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the readjudication of the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is REMANDED for a new VA medical opinion and further consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including COPD and bronchitis, did not begin during service or as a result of any incident in service. The evidence showed that his symptoms began many years after service separation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disability other than pleural-based plaques, including asbestosis, is denied. His current diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis are not related to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's death was caused by pneumonia, but there is no evidence linking any of the listed conditions to his service. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death and also denied claims for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service records show multiple instances of upper respiratory symptoms and disorders, including sinusitis. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and VA treatment records.