Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory condition, and therefore cannot establish service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of whether the reduction of the evaluation for bronchitis with bronchiectasis and right lower lobectomy from 60 percent to 30 percent was proper, and entitlement to an evaluation greater than 30 percent for bronchitis with bronchiectasis and right lower lobectomy.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergies, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma including COPD, pneumonia, and prostate disorder. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for chronic bronchitis and gastrointestinal bleed (previously claimed as inflammatory bowel disease).,The Veteran’s muscle pain, ear infections, fatigue, sleep apnea, gastrointestinal bleed (previously claimed as inflammatory bowel disease), skin rashes, headaches, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for chronic bronchitis and gastrointestinal bleed (previously claimed as inflammatory bowel disease).,The Veteran's muscle pain, ear infections, fatigue, sleep apnea, gastrointestinal bleed (previously claimed as inflammatory bowel disease), skin rashes, headaches, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and prostate cancer are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his diagnosed conditions and in-service exposures.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder condition (rotator cuff tendinitis), respiratory condition (chronic bronchitis), and chronic headaches, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.,There is no current diagnosis of chronic bronchitis or other respiratory disability in service, and the Veteran's STRs do not show any such condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis was denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service, including exposure to herbicides or asbestos.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and disability rating due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, hypertension, bilateral lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and/or peripheral neuropathy and/or peripheral vascular disease, and any acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and dysthymia), finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or illness related to these conditions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for reopening and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of these issues during a hearing. The claim for peripheral neuropathy was reopened, but denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy was granted. The rating for chronic bronchitis remains at noncompensable (0%). Service connection for a sleep disorder other than apnea is remanded.,Effective dates prior to October 15, 2015 were denied for cervical strain, right knee arthritis with meniscal tear and patella chondromalacia, and tinnitus service connection claims.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on March 30, 2015 for acute bronchitis and low back pain are granted as there is no feasible VA facility available that morning.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, heart condition, respiratory condition, bronchitis, lower back condition, and sleep disorder due to lack of evidence regarding the Veteran's dates of service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical opinions on the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the appellant's sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, and respiratory disability. The claims are currently in a state where further evidence is needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and reopening of his claims for low back disability, bronchitis, and obesity. The other conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal or denial.

The Veteran's IBS is granted as service connected. The Board remanded the issues of service connection for sinusitis and an upper respiratory disorder (including bronchitis).

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including inpatient records from Baumholder Army Health Clinic and updated VA treatment records.