Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

Service connection for lumpectomy (breast biopsy) and lower back condition is denied as the evidence does not support a link to service.,Service connection for bronchitis is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding its onset in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and medical opinions, as the PACT Act requires such examinations if evidence of participation in toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) is provided. The claims are related to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for asthma, COPD, and bronchitis, which he claims are related to his military service exposure to asbestos and dust.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for several issues, including initial compensable rating for atopic dermatitis and service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder and moderate alcohol use disorder, sleep disturbances, chronic headaches, keratitis/corneal ulcer, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, enlarged cervical right side submandibular lymph node, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and muscle and joint pain (unspecified).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bronchitis, originally claimed as a lung condition, is dismissed without prejudice because the claim lacks a valid rating decision and notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed respiratory conditions, specifically bronchitis and asthma. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records and provide a new opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Board dismissed all issues of appeal due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for breathing disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, have been reopened. The claim of service connection for the residuals of bladder cancer is remanded.,The Board has expanded the Veteran's claims to include breathing disability (bronchitis, COPD, emphysema) and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, chronic bronchitis, and asthma have been rated at 50 percent since September 11, 2015. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 6847 (sleep apnea), 6600 (chronic bronchitis), or 6602 (asthma).

The Board has granted an effective date of December 10, 2014 for the grant of service connection for chronic bronchitis. The Veteran's claim was filed on that date and he is now entitled to benefits as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports the claim and entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are related to service, including presumed exposure to burn pits. The examiner is asked to consider all relevant factors, including the PACT Act presumption of service connection for certain diseases like COPD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bronchitis and sinusitis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic bronchitis, finding that there is approximately even evidence supporting a relationship to herbicide agent exposure in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no current evidence of the condition.,Service connection for tuberculosis is also denied, with no current evidence of the condition during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence on file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma with chronic bronchitis and obstructive sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 13, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions. The Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, are being reviewed for service connection. Additionally, a determination is needed on whether these conditions clearly and unmistakably preexisted service.

The Board has remanded the claim for further medical evaluation and opinion to determine if any current respiratory conditions are related to service, including exposure to asbestos or smoking.