Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, bronchitis, asthma, and sleep condition are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, diagnosed as bronchitis, asthma, and COPD, was not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The Board found that the condition is less likely than not related to his in-service symptoms and did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory condition, particularly in relation to service connection. The case will be returned for further development including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded several issues related to service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his claimed disabilities and active service, including any in-service injuries or exposure. The Veteran is requested to provide information on all healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU for service-connected bronchitis from December 29, 2012 to March 14, 2021 is granted. SMC housebound benefits are also granted during the same period.

The Veteran's chronic bronchitis and COPD are granted as service connected, with COPD being granted under the PACT Act.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder as secondary to treatment for his service-connected psychiatric and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the medications prescribed for these conditions did not cause or aggravate the respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, tinnitus, GERD/IBS, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the period on appeal. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as GERD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of increased severity.,Service connection for chronic bronchitis has been granted based on presumed exposure to burn pits and other toxins (BPOT).,Service connection for restrictive lung disease/restrictive spirometry pattern was denied due to lack of a clear etiology related to service.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by right wrist pain is granted, with the condition being presumed based on BPOT exposure.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by right ankle pain is granted, with the condition also presumed based on BPOT exposure.

The Veteran's character of discharge for the period from June 12, 2004, to October 2, 2007, constitutes a bar to VA benefits.,Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depression and PTSD) is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition, specifically pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. The claim will be returned for further development including a new VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to the lack of a current diagnosis.,The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle and right knee disabilities as well as respiratory disability (acute bronchitis) for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for diverticulosis with colon polyps. The claims of service connection for lumbar spine arthritis, right knee disability, kidney condition, and respiratory condition (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis) were all reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for the respiratory condition under the PACT Act.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service dates, lack of development regarding TERA participation and exposure, and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's respiratory disability is claimed as COPD and chronic bronchitis, and the examiner should consider all potential exposures during his service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action regarding overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to receipt of military drill pay in FY 2015 and FY 2016, as well as the issue related to overpayment related to FY 2014 drill pay. The Veteran is also requested to be provided with an audit explaining the amount of each overpayment and how it was calculated.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis has been withdrawn and is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the appeals to reopen claims for entitlement to service connection for low back disability and headaches are granted. The issues of service connection for these conditions remain remanded due to new exposure basis under PACT Act.,The appeal for a compensable rating for left shin splints is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for reopening a claim of service connection for COPD and for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for eczema. The Veteran must file a timely appeal to proceed with these matters.

The Board has remanded the case due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand, which requires the Board to address direct service connection for sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, and chronic bronchitis prior to the effective date of the PACT Act.