Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability, respiratory disability, chronic bronchitis, and bilateral shin splints. The Veteran's claim for higher initial rating of vasomotor rhinitis with nose bleeds was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disability, bronchitis, or pneumonia incurred in service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as well.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including asthma and allergic rhinitis, did not have their onset in service or were otherwise related to service. The pre-existing condition of asthma was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bronchitis, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The claim for hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder other than paranoid schizophrenia. The Veteran's pulmonary disorder was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service. The Veteran's skin disorder to include dermatitis was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, specifically his current diagnoses of COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. The examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, bronchitis/pulmonary disorder, and ischemic heart disease are related to his service exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder did not manifest during service and is unrelated to his active duty. The claim for bronchitis was remanded but no decision has been made yet.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication of the appellant's claims, including those regarding service connection. The character of discharge issue is also being addressed.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of his death (respiratory failure due to pneumonia) is not linked to his military service. The Veteran did not require aid and attendance solely due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's COPD with bronchitis and bronchiectasis has not more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher disability rating, and thus his appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his claimed disabilities, specifically bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD with chronic bronchitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and SMC based on housebound status. The decision also noted that there was no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability, asbestosis, and bronchitis were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records. The claims for service connection for diabetes, bronchitis (presumed exposure), right knee disorder, heart disorder, and bronchitis are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since March 29, 2013. He was granted service connection for tinnitus and TDIU, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory conditions are not related to his service, including exposure to hazardous chemicals. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any current respiratory disorders are due to in-service events or exposures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities, including COPD with emphysema and OSA with hypoxemia, are not related to his service or exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The claim for service connection is denied.