Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, and a skin rash. The Veteran's sleep problems were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and chronic bronchitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchitis and COPD are not etiologically related to service, thus denying his claims for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected bronchitis/COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, a pulmonary condition, gout, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic syndrome. The Board also found that there is no evidence of chemical exposure or TCE exposure to support these claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory diagnoses of mild emphysema, mild central bronchitis and fluctuating lung functions with a significant response to bronchodilators suggestive of asthma not on any inhalers are related to service. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her respiratory disability.

Prior to March 12, 2015, the Veteran's bronchitis with bronchiectasis did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.,Since March 12, 2015, the Veteran's bronchitis with bronchiectasis met the criteria for a 60 percent disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and degenerative changes are related to service, granting service connection.,Service connection is granted for bilateral knee arthritis. The Board found no evidence linking this condition to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA social and industrial survey to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected sarcoidosis and chronic bronchitis.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and denied the increased rating claim. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is considered to have been incurred in service, while his COPD and chronic bronchitis are found not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchitis were denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic bronchitis and there is no evidence showing it was present during service or within one year after service. The VA examiner's opinion supported this finding, concluding that the Veteran's bronchitis is less likely than not incurred in or caused by his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are not service-connected, as they were more likely caused by his long history of smoking. The PTSD claim was denied as well.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic bronchitis. The Board found that her schizophrenia did not begin during active military service, and there was no evidence to support a finding that her current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service. For chronic bronchitis, the Board noted that the pre-existing condition clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service but did not undergo an increase in severity beyond natural progression during service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for bronchitis and manifestations of joint and muscle pain, night sweats, fatigue, and neurological symptoms due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis, including rhinitis and bronchitis, was incurred during active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.