Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2017

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical records and an examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for sarcoidosis remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, specifically chronic bronchitis, is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current bronchitis, bilateral lung disorder, or upper respiratory disorder related to service. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further adjudication of a claim related to an earlier effective date for service connection, which may be intertwined with a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a prior rating decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, right knee, and left hip disabilities are not service-connected.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosed condition of hemorrhoids. His claimed hemorrhoids were previously diagnosed in 1998.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis and COPD is rated at 60 percent since October 8, 2014. The rating will remain at this level as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's COPD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The sinusitis issue has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's request.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disability (COPD and chronic bronchitis) and a left knee disability. The effective date of the grant is not specified as it was determined that the Veteran's claims were pending since September 6, 2006.

The Veteran's asthmatic bronchitis with allergic component has been rated at 30 percent since February 23, 2008. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further medical inquiry regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and his death, as well as a review of any additional evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pulmonary fibrosis has been granted. From November 16, 2010 through February 13, 2012, the Veteran was awarded a 20% rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed lung disorder, and thus service connection for bronchitis is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD was incurred in service and granted service connection. The esophageal disorder other than GERD is related to service, as are asthma and bronchitis. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding his left ankle condition and respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of any respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's disability rating for asthmatic bronchitis was reduced from 60 percent to 30 percent effective November 1, 2008. The Board found the reduction improper and granted a higher rating of 30 percent beginning May 5, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, and her low back strain with limitation of motion does not present an exceptional disability picture that the available schedular evaluations are inadequate.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis has been attributed to his respiratory-related symptoms, including COPD and bronchitis. The Board is granting a 100% rating for asbestosis based on the severity of his respiratory condition.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bronchiectasis was denied, and his TDIU claim is still pending.