Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's asthmatic bronchitis is rated at 100 percent, effective September 2006. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is rendered moot as the Veteran is already in receipt of a 100 percent schedular rating for his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and chronic bronchitis were rated at the minimum levels prior to December 2014, with a 10 percent rating for each condition. The Board found that these ratings adequately reflected the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for chronic bronchitis has not yet been decided.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from February 13, 2015. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. From that date, the combined rating of 90 percent due to bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and cervical spine disability made a TDIU warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left eye disorder is not related to his military service, including as a residual of a left eye contusion. The claim for respiratory disorder was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining evidence of exposure to toxic chemicals while stationed at Fort McClellan in 1972 and determining whether service connection can be established based on direct service connection or a relationship between the Veteran's respiratory disorders and her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestos pleural disease and respiratory disorder (COPD and chronic bronchitis) due to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for COPD and acute bronchitis is denied as there is no evidence of a link between his active duty service and the conditions.

The Board found that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's chronic bronchitis, fibromyalgia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are related to his military service. Service connection was granted for these conditions based on their presumptive relationship with his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of IBS and service connection for cholecystectomy, peptic ulcer disease, esophageal spasm, muscle tension headaches, and memory loss have been granted. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of the claim.

The Veteran's reactive airway disease, to include asthma and bronchitis, was rated at 30 percent prior to April 1, 2013. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's respiratory and right ankle disabilities are not service-connected.,The Veteran's current right ankle disability is not related to her service-connected left knee or left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for respiratory disorders, including mild obstructive lung disease, asthma, bronchitis, and reactive airway disease. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide further opinions regarding the service connection of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis has been reopened. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for dysphagia and the request for a prior effective date for service connection have both been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bronchitis or sleep apnea related to service, including asbestos exposure. The Veteran's conditions are found to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to scheduling issues and will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is inextricably intertwined with issues of service connection for chronic emphysema and bronchitis, for accrued benefits purposes. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis is service-connected, but his claim for multiple sclerosis remains pending as there are no findings regarding its service connection.