Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder as a result of his military service, including owing to asbestos exposure. The acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and associated depression, is found to be related to his service. However, there is insufficient evidence linking tunnel vision to his service.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a link between the Veteran's current sinusitis, bronchitis and low back disability with his military service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's bronchitis, chronic, is rated at 30 percent since September 26, 2011. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6600 or any other diagnostic code.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not currently have a respiratory disability and therefore denies her claim of entitlement to service connection for pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board due to lack of evidence supporting his assertions or current diagnoses.

The Veteran is seeking a compensable disability evaluation for his service connected respiratory disability. The VA has requested additional medical evidence and scheduled the Veteran for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, but his chronic bronchitis and acquired psychiatric disorder are each granted a 60 percent rating. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum VA examination opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current respiratory disability, to include obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and pulmonary nodules and bronchitis, claimed as asbestosis. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg thrombophlebitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression), bronchitis, Hepatitis C, and a separate right leg disability. The claim for increased rating for neck disability is also denied as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's recurrent bronchitis is service connected, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for bronchitis prior to June 18, 2002 and 30 percent thereafter was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right elbow tendinosis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, sleep apnea, and loss of smell due to in-service secondhand smoke exposure. The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic conditions related to these disorders during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's melanoma status post surgeries was not present during service or for many years thereafter, and is not etiologically related to active duty service. The presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.,There is no current diagnosis or other competent finding of COPD. The Veteran does not have COPD.,The Veteran's hearing loss is not caused by an event, disease or injury in active duty service and the presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.,The Veteran's tinnitus is not caused by an event, disease or injury in active duty service and the presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and memory loss) is not etiologically related to active duty service and the presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.

The Veteran's lobectomy due to granuloma of the right lower lung with chronic bronchitis and COPD has been rated at 100 percent since November 6, 1996 for pulmonary hypertension.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders are presumed to be due to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. However, the Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current respiratory conditions and his service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection of a chronic respiratory disability, including residuals from a spontaneous pneumothorax and asthma. The Board also found that the appellant's thyroid cancer is related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disabilities have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.