Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, to include chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and bronchitis, is being remanded for additional development as the VA examiners did not address whether it was aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, claimed as asthma, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection between her current condition and active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of COPD is not related to his service, but rather due to tobacco use and not linked to Agent Orange exposure or any other in-service event. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disability was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a new examination to address the claims for giant bullous emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and sinus tachycardia.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including COPD and bronchitis, are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that these conditions did not have their clinical onset in service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for respiratory disorders, including asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis, and seasonal allergies. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination to determine if his military service caused or aggravated any preexisting conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues before the Board.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, claimed as bronchitis, is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current granulomas disease which is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are less likely related to his military service, including exposure to burning oil wells. The examiner concluded that these conditions were more likely due to long-term cigarette smoking.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his pharyngitis and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder, to include asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, that is due to service. The preponderance of evidence is against finding any such connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lung cancer, bronchitis, and PTSD have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment due to his severe respiratory conditions and psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including asthma and asthmatic bronchitis, are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's GERD has been service-connected since at least May 1994, and the Board finds that new evidence received after the August 1994 rating decision relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate her claim of service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hammertoes was granted with an effective date of April 11, 2010. His PTSD remains at a maximum evaluation of 30 percent.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and bronchitis, which he attributes to in-service asbestos exposure and/or herbicide exposure. The VA examiner found the Veteran's current respiratory disorders less likely related to service due to lack of asbestos exposure. However, additional medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of his diagnosed respiratory disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to his active service. The remaining issues have been referred for further development.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50% and his pulmonary sarcoidosis with bronchitis and reactive obstructive airway disease is rated at 60%. Both conditions meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and the claim for service connection has been granted.