Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded this case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal is not about service connection at all, as it pertains to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, emphysema, bronchitis, genitourinary disability, eye infections, and hypertension are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis is found to be a contributory cause of his death from end-stage Parkinson's disease. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for COPD, as it is less likely than not related to active service. The claims for back/spine disorder and bronchitis are being remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for right Achilles tendonitis, right hip disability, respiratory disability including bronchitis, and hypoglycemia have been granted. The diagnoses are as follows: Right Achilles tendonitis was not diagnosed; Right hip disability is attributed to service with a diagnosis of trochanteric pain syndrome; Respiratory disability including bronchitis is intermittent and secondary to allergic bronchitis; Hypoglycemia resolved after eating.

The Veteran is granted service connection for residuals of a left fourth finger fracture, but his claims for pulmonary disability and headaches are denied as not related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for systemic lupus, a respiratory disability (claimed as asthma and bronchitis), swallowing difficulty, and gastric/stomach ulcers. However, the Board denied these claims as there is no evidence of record showing that any of these conditions are related to active military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, and bronchitis, did not manifest during service and are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for service connection and increased ratings were not substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for respiratory problems, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's respiratory disability is not considered a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 due to lack of evidence of undiagnosed illness or chronicity during active service. Service connection was also denied for obstructive sleep apnea as it is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claims for asbestosis, COPD, emphysema, and bronchitis were not supported by evidence of a current disability related to his military service. The VA examinations did not support a diagnosis of asbestosis or establish a link between any diagnosed conditions (COPD, emphysema, and bronchitis) and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service treatment records and a medical opinion regarding his bilateral pes planus. The appeal is currently remanded to the AOJ for further action.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities, including bronchitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, and asthma, are service-connected as they are related to his active military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic upper respiratory disorder, including asthma and bronchitis, is etiologically related to active service, including his diagnosis of bronchial pneumonia during service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders and discussing a submitted article on bronchitis. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss remains before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the October 2015 VA examination and the need for a more responsive opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for a TDIU, effective September 28, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues and the need for a Travel Board hearing. The specific conditions of prostate cancer, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and bilateral glaucoma are still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities, including allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and COPD, are not related to his service or in-service pneumonia. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that these conditions are due to smoking rather than service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed right wrist or low back disability, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The claim for service connection for bronchitis was also denied.