Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disorder is remanded due to outstanding medical questions. An examination is needed to determine the nature and likely cause of any respiratory disorders present during her appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a respiratory disorder with allergic manifestations to include asthma, also known as allergic bronchitis. The Board found that there was no evidence of COPD during service or at any time since service, and that the diagnosed condition is not related to active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been submitted. The Veteran's claims are now pending again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and a heart condition due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's respiratory conditions other than interstitial lung disease, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, are granted as service connected due to in-service exposure to toxic environmental exposures.

The Veteran's breathing problems and sleep apnea are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder during or after service.,Ulcerative colitis is not related to service. The Veteran had an acute episode in 1983 but no chronic condition was found during or after service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his respiratory disabilities, including chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and COPD. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's tension headaches and chronic bronchitis are granted as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically his COPD and chronic bronchitis. The examiner needs to consider in-service exposure to petroleum-based fumes as a result of his military occupational specialty (MOS) as Aircraft Systems Chief Enlisted Manager.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete documentation and authorization requests. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for treatment records from Dr. CEMQ.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of service personnel records and to clarify the Veteran's periods of active duty, inactive duty training (ACDUTRA), and in-service civilian employment. The claims will be reconsidered based on this additional information.

The Veteran's urticaria is granted as service connected. The respiratory and urinary disorders are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current pulmonary disorder is related to his service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions is inadequate and requires further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a new medical opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disorder and a respiratory disorder (bronchitis) as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, and lower back disorder.,There is no evidence of any in-service onset or diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a separate 10 percent rating, but not higher, for a painful scar of the left knee are granted. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected hypertension is also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is granted as service-connected.,Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is found to have had its onset during active service and is therefore service-connected.,Chronic bronchitis is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or any other cause.,Essential tremors of the bilateral upper extremities are not service-connected as there is no link between the disability and service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sinus disorder and respiratory disorder (including bronchitis) due to the need for a VA compensation examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD with shortness of breath, emphysema, and bronchitis due to a duty to assist error regarding alleged asbestos exposure during military service. The AOJ is instructed to develop this claim and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.