Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, hypertension, lumbar spine disability, chronic bronchitis, heart disability, stomach condition (to include ulcers), and epidermal inclusion cyst. The Board found that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's service or any presumptive exposure basis.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disorder but denied service connection for a pulmonary disorder (chronic bronchitis and COPD). The lower back disorder is found to be at least as likely as not related to active duty service. However, the pulmonary disorder is not related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA and private treatment records, as the Veteran provided information about his ongoing treatment at Beckley VAMC and from Dr. Remines.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has indicated satisfaction with his TDIU rating and the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disorder, left leg muscle injury, and breathing problems (bronchitis). The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was not found to be caused by his military service. His left leg muscle injury is considered a current disability but without evidence of an in-service event or diagnosis. Breathing problems were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to determine if her current back, vision, chest pain, allergies, breathing disorder, headaches, memory loss, and vertigo are related to service or any other conditions. The issues include a back disorder, vision disorders, chronic chest pain, allergies, asthma, headaches, memory loss, and vertigo.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and bronchitis, finding that there is no evidence of chronicity since service or causation due to service.,The Veteran’s hypertension claim is remanded as he has not been afforded a VA examination to determine its nature and etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and a pulmonary condition (chronic bronchitis) secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. The Veteran's deviated septum was also denied as not related to active service.,Service connection was granted for COPD but the other conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of having bronchitis or any other respiratory condition during his military service, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, unsteady gait and dizziness, gastroesophageal disorder, respiratory disorder, and hypertension have been denied.,Service connection was not granted as the preponderance of evidence is against finding a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his military service. The Veteran had bronchitis during his active duty, which may be related to his current sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension, chronic bronchitis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, colonic polyps, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gout, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, dermatophytosis of toe nails, and tinea pedis are being remanded for further development as they may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or exposure to herbicides.

The Board dismissed the appeals of several service connection claims and denied requests for earlier effective dates. The Veteran's claims were not supported by a proper substantive appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating. The cases of right heel spurs and left heel spurs are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's digestive disorder, excluding IBS, is granted as service connected. The claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened, and he is now granted service connection.,His hypertension and kidney condition are denied as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of specific dates for the Veteran's active duty training and inactive duty training in her Reserve components. The RO must provide this information to determine if she is entitled to compensation for respiratory disorders during her service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and requests for a new VA examination with a pulmonologist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, bronchiectasis (also claimed as bronchitis), and asthma have been remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The claims are currently pending with the Board of Veterans' Appeals.