Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disorder, low back disorder, and left eye hyperopia and amblyopia. The claim for service connection for bronchitis was reopened with new evidence showing a current diagnosis of bronchitis. Service connection is granted for these conditions. No service connection is granted for pancreatitis or left hip disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requires a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's diabetes, eye disorder, lung disorder (bronchitis), sinus disorder, and right ear hearing loss were not found to be related to his active duty service.,However, the Veteran was granted service connection for right ear hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and sinusitis did not cause or contribute to his death due to cardiac arrest, lung cancer, and hypertension. The medical opinions concluded that these conditions were not related to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis with COPD requires the care and assistance of another person on a regular basis, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically chronic bronchitis and moderate COPD, was evaluated at a 10% rating since October 10, 2013.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as chronic bronchitis and chronic pneumonia, is shown to be related to his military service. The claim for asthma has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination. The issues are whether his service-connected chronic vasomotor rhinitis with sinusitis caused or aggravated his respiratory disabilities, including bronchitis and COPD.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome, a respiratory disorder including asthma and bronchitis, or urinary incontinence. The diagnoses of these conditions were attributed to other underlying issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, depression, low back disorder, and high body mass index.

The Veteran's asthma was aggravated during service, and her left knee disability is due to military service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an incomplete VA examination. The Veteran's current respiratory disability may be related to service, but further clarification is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for his service-connected anal fissure and bronchitis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was already assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations addressing his respiratory conditions, and the need for a new examination to determine if any current respiratory condition had onset during or as a result of his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 60 percent for service-connected chronic bronchitis and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected recurrent major depression due to insufficient evidence regarding maximum exercise capacity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine whether the service-connected schizophrenia caused or aggravated the Veteran's alcohol, cocaine and marijuana abuse. The RO should also request that the Veteran submit any outstanding documents referenced by his attorney, and schedule him for a VA dermatology examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected herpes simplex.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% since June 3, 2004. His tinnitus is service-connected and rated as secondary to his hypothyroidism. The Veteran's bronchitis is not compensable but warrants a rating of 100%. Other conditions are either not shown or do not warrant increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bronchitis had its onset in service and is related to his in-service condition, thus granting service connection for bronchitis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for COPD, bronchiectasis, and chronic bronchitis has been dismissed due to his death before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis, including as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for further development.