Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for higher levels of SMC based on service-connected disabilities was denied as his conditions do not meet the legal criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's COPD with asthmatic bronchitis has been evaluated based on FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC results from Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). For the period prior to October 19, 2015, his disability was rated at 30 percent. Beginning October 19, 2015, it has been rated at 60 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is pending as additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinion and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bronchitis is rated at 10 percent prior to November 30, 2016, and denied for a higher rating thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for chronic bronchitis and major depression, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, are all granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lung and respiratory disorders are not related to his military service, specifically asbestos exposure. The more probative evidence does not support the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal regarding his increased disability rating for chronic bronchitis, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's bronchitis is rated at 10 percent, and his headaches are rated at 30 percent. The Board has granted the higher rating for headaches but denied the request for a higher rating for bronchitis.

The Veteran's COPD is found to have its onset during service, and the Board grants service connection for a respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on February 15, 2012 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center were denied as the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, including COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and pulmonary hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding whether he has pulmonary hypertension related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the necessary examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis/asthma, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an updated VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability (bronchitis), heart disability, and bilateral eye disability. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found no evidence of a current URI disability and concluded that the Veteran's upper respiratory infection is not related to service or his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. The VA examiner did not find any pathology for URI, and diagnosed bronchitis instead.

The Board has granted an effective date earlier than November 15, 2006 for the award of a 30 percent rating for residuals of pulmonary tuberculosis. The claim for a higher rating prior to January 28, 2013 remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and needs further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed respiratory conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and IPF, was manifested many years after his separation from service and the preponderance of the competent evidence shows it is not related to, caused by, or aggravated by his service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bronchial asthma with bronchitis (also claimed as double pneumonia) due to lack of new and material evidence.