Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and bronchitis, finding that the Veteran's current pulmonary disability is at least as likely as not related to his active military service. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD, low back injury residuals, and bilateral spondylolysis at L-5 with first degree spondylolisthesis due to insufficient evidence on the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for chronic bronchitis prior to October 5, 2019. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to this date is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for spermatocele, bronchitis, and cervical spine bone spurs. The application for bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there is no indication of a current disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 14, 2018 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss since June 14, 2018 is denied.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for essential tremor of the bilateral upper extremities and chronic bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD with bronchitis due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran must be provided new VA examinations based on a review of his medical records.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The cervical spine, lumbar spine, respiratory (bronchitis), sinus, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a noninitial compensable disability rating for his service-connected residuals of pneumonia and TDIU based on this condition, finding that his current respiratory conditions are more likely due to nonservice-connected COPD with an asthmatic component.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for sleep apnea with bronchitis and persistent cough is granted at 100 percent. The Veteran also receives special monthly compensation (SMC) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bronchial asthma and lung conditions other than bronchial asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claims are currently in a REMANDED status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pulmonary disorder and sleep disorder other than sleep apnea due to additional development being required. The issues are related to service connection, with exposure to burn pits in Afghanistan considered.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically whether it qualifies as a 'medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness' under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of discussion regarding potential herbicide exposure. The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, is related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and respiratory disorders including bronchitis and asthma, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not manifest during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected pneumonia with bronchitis is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated PFT results and determine if they are pre- or post-bronchodilator, and whether DLCO testing was completed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding her TDIU claim and other service connection issues. The Board cannot proceed with the remaining claims until this information is obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, but denied service connection for sinusitis and bronchitis. The Veteran's lymph node disability is not considered a separate condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory and sinus or allergy disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities since at least February 16, 2016.

The reduction in the disability rating for chronic bronchitis with COPD from 60% to 0% was not proper, and a 60% rating is restored. The TDIU claim is also remanded.