Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD and bronchitis, are being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA opinion on their relationship to service, particularly his service-connected lung cancer.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lung condition, including bronchitis and COPD. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are related to his service, as there is evidence of symptoms during service.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities, including COPD and sarcoidosis, do not render him permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes prior to February 18, 2015.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 24, 2012, to June 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, has been granted. His rating for chronic bronchitis and asthma remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for acute bronchitis, status post breast biopsy (claimed as atypical ductal hyperplasia, granulomatous mastitis, and fibroadipose parenchyma), and gastritis has been denied. Additional development is needed to determine the nature of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion and retrieving any outstanding records from Walter Reed Medical Center.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and his chronic bronchitis warrants a rating of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder as a result of his military service, including owing to asbestos exposure. The acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and associated depression, is found to be related to his service. However, there is insufficient evidence linking tunnel vision to his service.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a link between the Veteran's current sinusitis, bronchitis and low back disability with his military service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's bronchitis, chronic, is rated at 30 percent since September 26, 2011. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6600 or any other diagnostic code.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not currently have a respiratory disability and therefore denies her claim of entitlement to service connection for pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board due to lack of evidence supporting his assertions or current diagnoses.

The Veteran is seeking a compensable disability evaluation for his service connected respiratory disability. The VA has requested additional medical evidence and scheduled the Veteran for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, but his chronic bronchitis and acquired psychiatric disorder are each granted a 60 percent rating. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum VA examination opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current respiratory disability, to include obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and pulmonary nodules and bronchitis, claimed as asbestosis. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg thrombophlebitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression), bronchitis, Hepatitis C, and a separate right leg disability. The claim for increased rating for neck disability is also denied as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's recurrent bronchitis is service connected, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.