Chronic bronchitis decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased ratings for various disabilities, is inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain additional evidence. The appeals are therefore being remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

Your claim for service connection for asthmatic bronchitis has been fully granted in a July 2022 rating decision, effective December 31, 2012. The appeal is dismissed as the benefit sought has already been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bronchitis and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if new and material evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for left lower extremity sciatic nerve disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic bronchitis. The Veteran's VA treatment records are being requested.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development and review, including those related to AL amyloidosis, angioedema, respiratory disorders, type II diabetes mellitus, and neurological disorders.

The Board has remanded the cases of breast cancer, kidney cancer, residuals of pneumonia, and bronchitis for further development.

Service connection for a respiratory disorder is denied. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed respiratory disorder.,TDIU due to service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder from October 29, 2015 to July 31, 2016 is granted.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of right wrist injury, infiltrative keratitis of the left eye, and chronic bronchitis due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or etiology related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and sinusitis, finding that there is no current disability or evidence of a link between his active-duty service and these conditions.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as it meets the presumptive service connection criteria for a Persian Gulf War veteran.,Chronic bronchitis and left knee arthritis are both found to be related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disorder, left knee and hip disorders, as well as chronic bronchitis, urinary hesitancy, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea prior to specific dates. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions that address these issues.

The Veteran's claims for chronic bronchitis, left ankle sprain, PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the left hand and TDIU are remanded due to need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, and residuals of meningitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, including for his respiratory disability, GERD, lipoma, allergic rhinitis, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, dizziness, and low back condition. The examination is also necessary to address the impact of toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) on these conditions.

The reduction of the disability rating for bronchitis with sleep apnea from 100 percent to 50 percent (later increased to 60 percent) was proper, and the claim for restoration is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for high cholesterol and remanded the remaining issues due to lack of medical records.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, colitis, and pneumonia. The remaining issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), alcohol abuse, lower back condition, heart condition, joint condition, hypertension, headaches, abnormal weight loss, and chest pain are remanded due to conflicting evidence and incomplete information.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death, and if his cardiovascular disease was related to military service exposure.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is incomplete and remands the case for a new examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder other than asthma and COPD (to include bronchitis) due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's chronic bronchitis is related to service, including presumed exposure to fine particulate matter.