Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional VA medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, pneumonia, bronchitis, hypothyroidism, vocal chord damage, dysphagia, and dry mouth. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's chronic bronchitis was rated at 100% from October 13, 2010 to March 21, 2012. The claim for TDIU is now moot due to the grant of a 100% rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for asthmatic bronchitis was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6602.,Service connection for mesothelioma was denied as there is no evidence of record linking the current condition to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination of the Veteran's claims, including right ear hearing loss, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, lung disability, and eye disability.

The Board has found no evidence linking the Veteran's current bronchitis and COPD to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma was reopened and granted. He is now entitled to a 30% rating for his respiratory disorder, effective July 29, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory/lung pathology, including asthma and COPD, is not etiologically related to her active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, thus denying entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis was diagnosed within one year of separation from his military service, meeting the criteria for service connection. The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disability including sarcoidosis.

The Board has determined that there was clear and unmistakable error in the March 20, 1975 rating decision denying service connection for a bronchial disability. The effective date of service connection is now November 23, 1974.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records, and no other specific reasons were provided in the decision.

The Veteran's attorney was awarded attorney fees from past-due benefits, and the Veteran has terminated all remaining appeals. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and a respiratory disorder, to include bronchitis and COPD are denied as there is no competent evidence linking any current disability to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is related to his service-connected asthmatic bronchitis, and therefore grants DIC benefits. As a result, the claim for nonservice-connected death pension is dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis and bullous emphysema are etiologically related to his service-connected lung cancer, and thus granted secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, asthma, bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory abnormalities, is being remanded for further development as the VA examination was inadequate. The examiner did not address in-service asbestos exposure by the Veteran or his pre-existing asthma.

The appellant's appeal has been withdrawn due to his attorney indicating that the appellant wishes to withdraw the appeal for all issues listed on the cover page.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a respiratory examination. The issues include determining if his collapsed left lung warrants an initial compensable rating, service connection for chronic respiratory conditions (including bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, COPD), and sleep apnea are warranted, as well as whether he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate medical opinion in a previous VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD and chronic bronchitis is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of the record.