Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sinusitis and bronchitis for further development as there is insufficient rationale in previous medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraines, tremors (initially claimed as stroke residuals), sinusitis, respiratory disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, and right hip disability are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and her military service.,Specifically, the VA examiner's opinions on the causes of migraines and tremors were inadequate. The examiner did not address the Veteran’s lay statements about symptoms during and since active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee disability, hallux valgus of the right big toe, GERD, respiratory disorder, chronic sleep disorder, and left shoulder disability due to a lack of service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, and headaches related to these conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset and aggravation during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for headaches. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure is denied as there is no evidence of current respiratory disability.,Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, with the condition being presumed under the provisions of the PACT Act (Patient Care and Treatment Act).,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder) are remanded as they may be related to service. The claim for alcohol dependence secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.,Service connection is remanded for rheumatoid arthritis, with the issue being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding its onset during active duty or post-service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disorder claim is remanded as it may be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his failure to cooperate with VA examinations and provide pertinent records. The claims include PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disability (bronchitis), chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the effective date for the current ratings remains April 26, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and neuropathic ulcers of the toes as secondary to diabetes. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's lung nodules, asthma, COPD, and recurrent bronchitis have been rated based on their severity. The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between service and certain disabilities.,These include lung disability, headache disability, dermatological disorder, bilateral foot disability, sleep disorder, hip strain, and ankle disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis as there is no current diagnosis of a chronic respiratory condition.

The Veteran's ulcerative colitis, pancreatic disability, upper respiratory conditions, and lung disability are all remanded for further development.,Additional medical records must be obtained to support the Veteran’s claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck or cervical condition has been reopened and granted.,Service connection was denied for bronchitis and viral upper respiratory infection, as these conditions were not shown to be related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic sleep disorder, respiratory disorders, hypertension, migraine headaches, and bilateral hip disorders. These issues are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and VA treatment records. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of her right foot condition and lung condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bronchitis, a kidney condition, a lumbar spine disability, right foot arthritis, left knee arthritis, and a deviated septum. The claim of service connection for DMII secondary to bilateral knee and foot disabilities and/or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship of the Veteran's respiratory conditions to his service, including exposure to chemicals in service and a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted as service-connected due to aggravation during service.,An initial compensable rating for genital herpes, allergic rhinitis, and bronchitis are remanded. The right and left foot plantar fascitis claims are also remanded.