Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2013

The Veteran's hypertension, residuals of a left shoulder injury, and chronic lung condition (claimed as bronchitis) are all granted. Service connection for DJD and DDD of the lumbar spine is also granted with an initial rating of 10%. The Veteran's arthritis of the right great toe and arthritis of the left great toe each receive an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, and all issues are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a calcified left lung nodule, and chronic bronchitis. The appeals were based on secondary to asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic cough or hypertension during service, and the Veteran did not experience these conditions until years after separation from active duty. There is also no credible evidence linking any current hearing loss to service.,No new evidence was presented to reopen claims for prostate condition and sinusitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's medical treatment on February 25, 2010, at Cumberland Medical Center was not for an emergency and VA facilities were feasibly available. Therefore, he is not eligible for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the loss of the Veteran's claims file and death certificate. The case is now remanded for further development including obtaining VA medical records, a VA insurance file, and a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, residuals of a contusion of the right hand, and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board finds that there is no current evidence of chronic disabilities such as right foot disorder, bilateral corneal abrasions, pseudofolliculitis barbae, or sinusitis. Hypertension was not shown within one year of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis, chest pain, bronchitis, or a skin condition. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bronchitis with bronchiectasis, right lower lobe, was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating beyond the current 30 percent assigned.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and arrange for an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current respiratory disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his service-connected disabilities, but the RO/AMC needs to schedule an examination and consider the revised VA regulations for these grants.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of his claims file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including macules on the tongue, chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic sinusitis, a heart disability, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndromes, bilateral pes planus, and psychiatric disabilities. The decision found no current disabilities or evidence of in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, specifically asthma with chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his current condition. The Board will provide another VA examination and request additional medical opinions.