Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders, as well as issues related to skin disorders and colon cancer. The jurisdictional issue of an earlier effective date is not addressed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and adjudication due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, TDIU prior to June 15, 2011, and SMP based on need for aid and attendance are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis is reopened and granted. The appeal for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis, is remanded.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's shortness of breath and non-cardiac chest pain are symptoms of his service-connected bronchitis and PTSD, respectively. Therefore, these conditions do not meet the criteria for separate disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD, chronic bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are currently rated at 60 percent. A separate rating for the obstructive sleep apnea is precluded by law.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemia (claimed as coronary artery disease) and a stomach disability (claimed as an ulcer). The other conditions were also denied.

The Board has found that the service connection for COPD needs to be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further development regarding exposure to asbestos and lead during service, as well as aggravation of COPD by sleep apnea and causation of COPD due to hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a right knee disorder, bone spurs of the feet (right), bronchitis, strep throat, and heart disorder are all denied. However, the Veteran is granted service connection for a current right ear hearing loss disability with a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances were denied as the topical anti-inflammatory cream and back brace did not meet the criteria for a clothing allowance under VA regulations.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected GERD and rhinosinusitis. The claims for bronchitis, hypertension, and gallstones are denied.

Your claim for a higher evaluation for bilateral otitis media is being remanded as your symptoms have worsened since the last examination.,Your claims for service connection of chronic sinusitis, chronic throat infection, and lung conditions are being remanded due to new evidence indicating an association with your service-connected bilateral otitis media.

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and hypertension have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to support reopening these claims. The Veteran’s current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for temporomandibular joint syndrome, bronchitis, or allergic rhinitis and therefore service connection is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to determine if the appellant requires aid and attendance due to her health conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and COPD are all granted.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses at Florida Hospital on November 3, 2013 are denied as he is not service-connected for any disability and the treatment was not in response to a medical emergency.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issues of rating for back disability, service connection for bronchitis/asthma, and service connection for sleep disturbance.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder and leukemia due to new diagnoses and lack of medical opinions on these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service-connected conditions, finding that he did not submit a claim within one year of his separation from service.

The Veteran's bronchitis is remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to his military service.