Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2017

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for asthma with bronchitis, and is now considering whether he can establish service connection under a direct theory of entitlement. The issue of secondary service connection due to OSA remains pending.

The Veteran's bronchitis did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to her service-connected asthma or sinusitis. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD, but further development is needed to address his respiratory disabilities and other claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for mechanical low back pain with facet arthropathy at L5-S1 was denied, but the Board granted a higher 40 percent rating effective October 18, 2012. The TDIU issue is also granted.

The Board has determined that the cause of death, cardiopulmonary arrest due to an acute myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease, was not caused by or related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the requested VA examinations were inadequate and not in compliance with the June 2014 Remand directives. The case is therefore REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory condition, including his chronic cough and allergic rhinitis, originated during service and is related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic bronchitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder), low back disorder, and deafness in the right ear are pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, and a skin rash. The Veteran's sleep problems were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and chronic bronchitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis and COPD are not etiologically related to service, thus denying his claims for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected bronchitis/COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, a pulmonary condition, gout, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic syndrome. The Board also found that there is no evidence of chemical exposure or TCE exposure to support these claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory diagnoses of mild emphysema, mild central bronchitis and fluctuating lung functions with a significant response to bronchodilators suggestive of asthma not on any inhalers are related to service. The claim is granted.