Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's asthma with bronchitis and 3 millimeter lung nodule is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from December 22, 2015. The condition requires daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy and inhalational anti-inflammatory medication.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension with nosebleeds was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability, including as due to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a breathing condition, low back disability, and bilateral foot disabilities.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, tinea versicolor, and bronchitis.,The Veteran's irregular heartbeat and chest pain claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for frostbite residuals of the feet. The appellant's current symptoms are related to his in-service injury, but further development is needed to determine if these disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for chronic sinusitis and chronic bronchitis was denied. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent disability rating for chronic sinusitis prior to October 21, 2014, but not after this date. For chronic bronchitis, no higher rating was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including vertigo and flank pain. The Veteran's complaints of these conditions predate his active duty service.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for service connection of a respiratory disorder, and the Board dismissed the case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to the need for additional medical examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied as the disability is not shown to be related to his military service or due to a service-connected condition.

The previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder is reopened. The Veteran's PTSD and respiratory disorders are remanded for further evaluation, including an examination and addendum opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous remands and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of his exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for chronic bronchitis was granted, and he is now rated at 10 percent disabling. The claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic asthma was granted. The claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current pulmonary conditions, including COPD and chronic bronchitis, are not linked to his service, specifically the episode of pneumonia during active duty. The medical opinions provided by VA physicians do not support a link between these conditions and his in-service respiratory issues.

The Board has determined that further assistance is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to provide her with a VA examination regarding her asthma, right shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for esophageal cancer and chronic bronchitis due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to esophageal cancer treatment. The claims are being remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD with asthmatic bronchitis, finding that the Veteran's exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station while in service is at least as likely as not related to his current condition.