Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for colon cancer, chronic bronchitis, and actinic keratosis as they are not related to the Veteran's in-service conditions or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's bronchitis with hoarseness and voice distortion is granted as service-connected.,A rating of 50 percent for chronic sinusitis is granted, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for sinus bradycardia, recurring bronchitis (claimed as chronic bronchitis), residuals of infiltrative keratitis in the left eye, a skin disorder, lipoma, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran has not provided sufficient information or evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and development needs. The Veteran's respiratory conditions, including COPD, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and chronic sinusitis, are being reviewed for service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service.

The Board denied service connection for blackout spells and respiratory disability (including asthma and chronic bronchitis) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by congestive heart failure, which is listed as a 'sequel to Agent Orange' on his death certificate. The Board has ordered further development including obtaining medical records and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner who previously reviewed the case.

The Board has identified new evidence that was not considered in the previous decision and has ordered its consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded to allow for further review of this new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to determine if the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service, including any in-service injuries.

The Veteran's COPD, a progression from chronic bronchitis, is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation to determine if the Veteran's disability warrants a higher rating.

The Board dismissed all issues of service connection due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to July 30, 2021.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus (type II and type I) is granted, with the Board finding that his DM had its onset during active service.,Service connection for chronic bronchitis as secondary to service-connected asthma is also granted. The Veteran's asthma requires daily inhalational bronchodilator therapy but does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's cannabis use disorder is not service-connected as it is a primary alcohol abuse disability.,There are no diagnosed elbow, ankle, or thumb conditions in the Veteran's service records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete treatment records. The Veteran's respiratory condition is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA pulmonologist to address whether any of the Veteran's lung disorders were caused by his in-service exposure to lead-based paints, various contaminants, and/or asbestos fibers aboard the USS Moale. The case is now pending further review.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted service connection. The left ankle disability, hypertension, bilateral foot disability, respiratory disorder, and bilateral eye disorder claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for asthma, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), tension headaches, sleep apnea, a right ankle disability, and bronchitis have been dismissed as the benefits sought on appeal were granted in full.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic bronchitis, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and right knee disability are all granted.