Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2016

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues listed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of evidence, including obtaining treatment records from Dr. D.J. and any other private or VA providers who have treated the Veteran's bronchitis since October 2015.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, strep throat, right knee cyst, left inguinal hernia, chronic right foot disorder (gout or bunion), and chronic left foot disorder (gout or bunion) as well as respiratory disorders. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, encompassing his previously service-connected chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and allergic bronchospasms. Separate ratings for these conditions are not warranted as they are rated under a single 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's asthmatic bronchitis has been granted a 100% disability rating, effective from the date of this decision. The issue regarding reduction of compensation benefits due to incarceration remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of COPD and therefore denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her conditions are not shown to be related to her military service.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure or other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for a head injury, lymphomas/lymph node enlargement, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia/high cholesterol, dermatitis, hypertension, and bronchitis.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for TDIU due to one service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, and his cognitive disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis prevents him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's lung, sleep, and skin disorders are not service-connected. The right ear hearing loss disability is rated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of acute bronchitis is reconsidered and granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim, as a relevant service treatment record was submitted in June 1983.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability did not have its onset during military service or is otherwise related to such service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with history of cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, lung disorder (bronchitis and asthma), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's lung disability is service-connected, and the TBI residuals are rated based on their severity. The Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, including bronchitis, was not incurred or aggravated in active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a rib fracture and bronchitis have been reopened, but the heart disability claim remains unresolved. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the rib fracture and bronchitis claims, but did not find sufficient evidence linking the current disabilities to service or exposure at Camp Lejeune.