Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran's asthmatic bronchitis with allergic component has been rated at 30 percent since February 23, 2008. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further medical inquiry regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and his death, as well as a review of any additional evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pulmonary fibrosis has been granted. From November 16, 2010 through February 13, 2012, the Veteran was awarded a 20% rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed lung disorder, and thus service connection for bronchitis is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD was incurred in service and granted service connection. The esophageal disorder other than GERD is related to service, as are asthma and bronchitis. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding his left ankle condition and respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of any respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's disability rating for asthmatic bronchitis was reduced from 60 percent to 30 percent effective November 1, 2008. The Board found the reduction improper and granted a higher rating of 30 percent beginning May 5, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, and her low back strain with limitation of motion does not present an exceptional disability picture that the available schedular evaluations are inadequate.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis has been attributed to his respiratory-related symptoms, including COPD and bronchitis. The Board is granting a 100% rating for asbestosis based on the severity of his respiratory condition.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bronchiectasis was denied, and his TDIU claim is still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated nasal septum resulted in less than 50 percent obstruction of both sides of the nasal passage throughout the relevant period on appeal, and thus does not warrant a compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss, bronchitis, frequent headaches, or vision changes to his active service. The claims for these conditions were therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, including as residuals of pneumonia/bronchitis, has been granted and is no longer pending.

The Veteran's OSA with bronchitis is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6847. The criteria for a higher evaluation (100%) are not met as there is no evidence of chronic respiratory failure or cor pulmonale requiring a tracheostomy.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service connection claims for PTSD, hearing loss, and arthritis are not supported by the provided information. The Veteran has been granted new evidence to reopen his claim for fibromyalgia, but no rating assigned due to lack of supporting documentation or evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis is granted. A 10 percent rating, but not higher, is assigned for bilateral hearing loss since July 6, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis, including shortness of breath during service and treatment for bronchitis, did not originate in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including bronchitis, is denied.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all pending appeals, including the ones related to PTSD, dermatosis, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and chronic bronchitis.