Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's asbestosis was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition. The claims of service connection for bronchitis and asthma were also granted, with the reasoning being that these conditions are related to asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's current sinus pain, headaches, and bronchitis residuals are not considered to be related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of chronic bronchitis or right shoulder disorder in service, and the Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to establish current disabilities. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disability, including upper respiratory infections, bronchitis and pneumonia residuals, requires additional development due to the need for an examination and the need to obtain VA treatment records.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and chronic bronchitis, is being remanded for further development to clarify the relationship between any current conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD/acute bronchitis must be remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination. The issue remains about the service connection of his respiratory disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 15, 2008 to March 30, 2010. His respiratory disorder (asthmatic bronchitis with COPD and bronchiectasis) has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to marital status, VCAA compliance for accrued benefits claims, and requests for VA medical records. The Appellant's eligibility as a surviving spouse is under review, along with her claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a pulmonary disorder (chronic bronchitis due to asbestos exposure). The denial is based on the lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis with coughing and wheezing was granted, but the Board found that her PFT results did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6600. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic bronchitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination with pulmonary function test results.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and COPD necessitates use of intermittent systemic corticosteroid therapy, warranting a 60 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's chronic bronchitis is currently evaluated at 10 percent, the minimum evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6600. The evidence does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's tinea versicolor, chronic bronchitis, right hip pain, and shortness of breath are all found to be related to her service. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran on these issues.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, claimed as bronchitis which caused emphysema. The case is being remanded due to insufficient examination and incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that the appellant's respiratory disabilities other than pleurisy, including bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, asthma, tuberculosis in remission and sleep apnea are causally related to his active service. The left ear hearing loss is not compensable.

The Veteran's lung condition, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to his military service, particularly exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and respiratory disorders have been reopened, but the underlying claims remain denied.,Service connection was not established for DDD of the cervical spine with cervical strain or a respiratory disorder.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for bronchitis, chronic low back pain, right arm numbness, right leg numbness and spinal meningitis. As a result, these appeals are dismissed.