Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2014

The RO denied service connection for the listed conditions, including those allegedly related to participation in Project SHAD. The Veteran's claims have been previously denied and are now final.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment of bronchitis and asthma were denied as she did not have a service-connected condition, was not participating in VA rehabilitation programs, and the emergency nature of her treatment was not established.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed bronchitis and asthma did not begin in service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, skin disorder (X-linked ichthyosis), and respiratory disorder (bronchitis and COPD). Service connection was denied for gastrointestinal disorder, sinusitis, defective hearing in the right ear, and perforated left ear drum.

The Veteran seeks service connection for COPD, including complaints of pneumonia and bronchitis. The case is REMANDED as the July 2009 VA examination report did not provide an opinion on the etiology of his COPD.

The Veteran's asthmatic bronchitis has been rated at 60 percent since the date of his claim for increase, effective September 25, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing before the Board. The claims related to his service-connected conditions and TDIU are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bronchitis and an initial rating for bilateral foot fungus. The Veteran's service-connected foot fungus is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, specifically chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic bronchitis is not service-connected as it was due to his long-term use of tobacco products, and did not manifest during active duty service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bronchitis, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have been incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service in Vietnam and a VA examination to assess the Veteran's respiratory condition and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have been incurred in service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of evidence or further development needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for bronchitis and remanded it for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for increased SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance is being remanded due to concerns about his service-connected conditions, including bronchiectasis with bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Additional examination is needed to determine if he requires a higher level of aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional notice and assistance, as well as new examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for a lung disability, including chronic bronchitis and COPD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed respiratory disorder other than recurrent episodes of bronchitis and chronic sinusitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability, to include bronchitis, was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bronchitis, finding that his current respiratory condition is related to his period of military service.