Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left knee disability and residuals of pneumonia.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed lung disability and will remand the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Mercy Memorial Hospital on November 21, 2009 are denied as the treatment was not for a medical emergency and VA facilities were available.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder are not related to service, including in-service chemical exposure.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently diagnosed but the relationship to service is unclear.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disorder, to include bronchitis, is granted as the evidence shows current chronic symptoms that are related to his in-service episodes of bronchitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for bronchitis/asthma was reopened, but no new rating is granted as the current evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5280 (hallux valgus) is at its maximum.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding that it is related to her service-connected multiple sclerosis. The right ear disability and respiratory disability claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The other claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The issues of service connection for headaches, ankle tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, knee disorders, and chronic bronchitis are pending.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred at Providence Centralia Hospital is being remanded due to the lack of relevant records. The AOJ will obtain any missing treatment records and daily notes from November 19-20, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a failure to appear at the scheduled hearing. The case will be returned for further appellate consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity amputations and prostate cancer, cause him to require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis, and it is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for lipomas, but denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities, bronchitis, and migraine headaches as there is no current disability found to be related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and established a 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's left ankle strain. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, pulmonary disorder, right foot bunion, left foot bunion, right hand disorder, right CTS, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed conditions, including asbestosis, COPD, emphysema, and bronchitis.

The Board found no causal connection between the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthmatic bronchitis, and his active service.

The Veteran's COPD, previously characterized as bronchitis, is rated at 10 percent prior to June 6, 2012 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine is rated at 10 percent prior to June 6, 2012 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville on January 4, 2012 is denied because the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency and there is no evidence that it would have been hazardous to his life or health if delayed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include bronchitis. As the appeal was withdrawn, it is dismissed.