Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's renal cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. His pulmonary disabilities are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to fumes from mortar rounds.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthmatic bronchitis is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that there are missing private and VA outpatient treatment records pertinent to the Veteran's claims. The case is REMANDED for obtaining these records.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability for VA compensation purposes and thus denied his claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with prior directives. The Veteran's claim is being returned to the AOJ for completion of the requested actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis is attributable to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and dermatitis of the neck and anterior axillae. The claim for chronic cough was granted but not linked to service. Service connection for PTSD was established with a current rating of 70%. The issue of TDIU is pending.

The Veteran's current lung disabilities, including chronic bronchitis and COPD, are found to be related to his active duty service due to exposure to construction dust. The Board finds that the Veteran's in-service symptoms of coughing, congestion, and upper respiratory infections are at least as likely as not related to his current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic cough/bronchitis, heart disorder, and hypertension have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. Service connection has been granted with an initial rating of 10%.

The Veteran's chronic sleep disorder with upper airway respiratory syndrome and bronchitis is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic bronchitis disability is not related to service and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's asthma with a history of bronchitis and seizure disorder are being reviewed for potential increased evaluations, and the propriety of reducing his seizure disorder evaluation is also under consideration. Additionally, the issue of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities remains before the Board.

The Veteran's bronchitis is rated at 60 percent disabling since January 12, 2009. The evidence shows that the Veteran meets the criteria for a 60 percent rating based on his Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO) test results.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a pulmonary disability, including as due to exposure to asbestos. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered a supplemental VA medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's asthma, specifically whether it is related to service and if it was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current pulmonary disabilities are related to his service. The case is therefore being remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA opinions provided, and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's death was caused by respiratory failure due to COPD, which is etiologically related to his in-service chronic respiratory disorders. The Board finds that the appellant is entitled to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1310 are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis and COPD do not warrant a compensable rating, and his TDIU claim is denied as he does not meet the criteria for individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric conditions and orthopedic issues, have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that he requires this assistance due to his service-connected conditions.