Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2020

The Board found that the Veteran's current bronchitis is not related to his in-service diagnosis and denied service connection for bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are currently pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, including COPD and middle lobe nodules and bronchitis (claimed as asbestosis), due to lack of evidence supporting asbestos exposure or asbestosis. The Board found that the Veteran's current condition is more likely caused by his smoking cigarettes and 30 years of working in a steel mill.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability and that his in-service treatment resolved without residual issues.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic asthmatic bronchitis, finding that there were no prior claims filed before January 17, 2008.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is rated at 30 percent, and his service-connected recurrent bronchitis is granted as secondary to his service-connected chronic sinusitis.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted service connection, while his claims for bronchitis and vision impairment are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for kidney cysts was reopened and granted. The heart condition claim was also reopened, but the respiratory disability, right hand disability, and liver disability claims were denied.,The Veteran died in August 2017, and his surviving spouse is substituted as the appellant.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The claims for bronchitis, acute chronic sinusitis, and acute chronic pharyngitis are denied as there is no evidence that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for dry eye syndrome due to insufficient medical evidence addressing whether his condition is related to burn pit exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including emphysema and COPD, finding that his conditions are not related to service or exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

The case is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of a respiratory disorder, specifically bronchitis.

The Veteran's claim for cancer of the kidney has been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology. The claims for hypertension and lung disorder related to herbicide agent exposure have also been remanded, as there are no service medical records available.,Service connection is being considered for tinnitus based on in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bronchitis, upper respiratory infection, and common cold are being remanded for further examination and medical opinion to determine if they are related to his service-connected chronic allergic rhinitis or any in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a low back disability and respiratory issues, due to potential herbicide exposure while aboard the U.S.S. Wichita during his Vietnam War service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative eye syndrome due to a lack of an examination assessing her vision disability. The other issues have been decided with respect to their respective merits.

The Board has granted service connection for left trigger finger and COPD, asthma, and bronchitis. The claim for service connection of the left upper arm and shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include anxiety disorder, PTSD, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, bronchitis, and precancerous skin lesions on head and ears.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for chronic bronchitis, claimed as pneumonia, is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for emphysema and COPD due to new evidence received.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim was denied, and his chronic bronchitis claim resulted in a grant of a 30% evaluation effective July 19, 2016. His prior noncompensable evaluations were maintained.