Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2021

The Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD and bronchitis, are being remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's current severity of his rhinitis and any associated respiratory conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions and exposure history.

The Board denied service connection for chronic bronchitis and chronic fatigue syndrome as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, with the exception that the Veteran's symptoms of acute bronchitis have not been shown to result in functional impairment of earning capacity.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and left-hand peripheral neuropathy, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment. The Board granted this claim.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and skin condition are denied. The issues of service connection for these conditions, as well as the TDIU claim prior to September 6, 2016, are remanded.