Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic bronchitis as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were related to active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory and/or pulmonary disorder, including interstitial lung disease, interstitial pneumonia, and bronchitis, due to asbestos exposure is remanded. The Veteran also has claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU which are being remanded as well.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic cough is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding potential causes of his symptoms.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and his breathing problems are not. The other conditions have been denied due to lack of in-service stressors or no current disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease (CAD), and chronic bronchitis. The case is being remanded to obtain updated pulmonary function test results from Dr. Caparro.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further investigation and clarification of her incarceration status, as well as an audit of her pension account. Additionally, there is a need to ensure proper notification regarding her right to appeal the overpayment of $18,692.07 in pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, bronchitis, and sleep apnea due to herbicide exposure as well as his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis. The VA is instructed to obtain any outstanding records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, and provide him with a notice letter.

The Board has remanded the claims for asbestosis, COPD, emphysema, and bronchitis due to inadequate November 2015 VA examination report. The Veteran needs a new examination to clarify his pulmonary diagnosis(es) and their etiology.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital for nonservice-connected bronchitis were denied because VA facilities were feasibly available and an attempt to use them beforehand would have been reasonable.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination to determine if any current respiratory disorders are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's right foot disability has been granted a 20% rating. The issues of service connection for the right knee, sleep disorder, left ankle disability, sinusitis, and bronchitis are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a respiratory disorder other than sinusitis and rhinitis, claimed as chronic pneumonia and chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the claims for a respiratory condition, lumbar spine disability, left and right ankle disabilities, bilateral pes planus, left hip disability (secondary to service-connected disability), right knee disability (secondary to service-connected disability), and sleep apnea. These issues will be addressed in further proceedings.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and low back disability have been rated appropriately, with the exception of a reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent for low back disability which is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis, hearing loss of the right ear, and tinnitus has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for hearing loss of the right ear and tinnitus are denied as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for wheezing of the lungs due to asbestos exposure, as it is unclear if his current respiratory disorders are related to military service. The case will be further developed and an examination will be scheduled.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder, specifically whether it is related to service or herbicide exposure. The VA examiner needs to provide a more comprehensive opinion considering all relevant medical history and diagnoses.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.,Service connection was also denied for chronic bronchitis due to herbicide exposure, as there is no evidence of such an illness in the record.

The Veteran's asthma, COPD, and bronchitis are at least as likely as not the result of chemical exposure during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar back condition, bronchitis, and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and/or examinations.