Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 60 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The RO denied his claim as he did not meet the minimum percentage evaluation requirement of two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined evaluation of 70 percent or more.

The Board denied an increased rating for chronic bronchitis with mild obstructive ventilatory defect, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent evaluation prior to May 24, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chondromalacia of the patellae, urinary tract infection, sinusitis, epidymitis, bronchitis, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, rash (including tinea), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence submitted since the March 1989 RO decision is not new or material to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issue of service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, claimed as a residual of carbon tetrachloride exposure, remains under review.

The Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder (bronchitis) was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against a nexus between his current bronchitis and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition and its relation to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his current health status and determine if any conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis was denied as there is no evidence of chronic bronchitis in service or currently. The Veteran's allegation of possible exposure to asbestos during service is not further developed.

The Veteran's asthma/bronchitis, tinea pedis, hearing loss, and tinnitus claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining service treatment records, VA examinations, and additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD was first diagnosed in service and the stressors supporting the diagnosis are consistent with his deployments as a signals intelligence and ground electronic warfare specialist. The Board finds that the criteria for establishing service connection for PTSD have been met, granting the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and chronic bronchitis has been granted. The VA examiner found that the Veteran currently has chronic bronchitis, which is related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches, chronic bronchitis, right hip disability, and left hip disability. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions, and there was no evidence linking them to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and updating records from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU is currently pending.

The Board found that the Appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support by reason of physical or mental defect before reaching the age of 18, and thus denied his claim as a helpless child.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 are being remanded due to the need for additional development and a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and COPD are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's lung disorder and anxiety disorder were incurred or aggravated by service.,Residuals of a bilateral eye injury and residuals of a head injury are not shown to be causally related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and implemented a 60 percent disability rating for chronic bronchitis. The case is now remanded to the RO/AMC for further development, including issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including pulmonary function tests and a VA examination to address his service-connected asthma. His claim for TDIU is also being referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected asthmatic bronchitis and whether it warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic bronchitis and residuals of a right thigh injury have been reopened. The Board will now review the merits of these claims.