Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic bronchitis and increased rating for bronchopneumonia is being remanded due to disagreement among examiners regarding the diagnosis of bronchopneumonia in-service, and the need for additional development including a VA respiratory examination.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hypertensive cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema are related to service exposure to herbicide agents. As such, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with reactive airway disease and COPD with mixed emphysematous and chronic bronchitis pattern are rated at their maximum levels, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status. Service connection for the cause of death is denied due to lack of evidence showing service-connected disability contributed to death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA medical records and lay statements.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorder, IBS, and low back disorder are granted on a presumptive basis due to Gulf War exposure. Other service connection claims remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for HIV infection, TTP, chronic right eye disability, acute bronchitis, sleep apnea syndrome, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the evidence did not support a link to service or any other valid theory of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of asthma resulting from service is sufficient to grant her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining service personnel records and STRs, as well as SSA disability benefits records. VA examinations are also required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current disabilities.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders, including chronic bronchitis, asthma and COPD, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The Board found that the onset of these conditions occurred after discharge from service and was more likely related to a chemical burn incident at work in the 1990s.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have its onset during service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.,For the right third finger fracture, the disability rating of 10 percent is granted. The limitation of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD and bronchitis, are being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA opinion on their relationship to service, particularly his service-connected lung cancer.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lung condition, including bronchitis and COPD. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are related to his service, as there is evidence of symptoms during service.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities, including COPD and sarcoidosis, do not render him permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes prior to February 18, 2015.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 24, 2012, to June 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and depression, has been granted. His rating for chronic bronchitis and asthma remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for acute bronchitis, status post breast biopsy (claimed as atypical ductal hyperplasia, granulomatous mastitis, and fibroadipose parenchyma), and gastritis has been denied. Additional development is needed to determine the nature of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion and retrieving any outstanding records from Walter Reed Medical Center.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and his chronic bronchitis warrants a rating of 30 percent.