Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective September 18, 2012.,The Veteran's asbestosis with COPD and chronic bronchitis is rated at 100% effective May 28, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disabilities, finding that there was no current disability meeting VA criteria for a hearing loss disability or COPD. The examiner opined that the Veteran's COPD is less likely caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. No decisions were made on the merits of any claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's aortic valve damage, pneumonia, and tracheobronchitis are not related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected saccular bronchitis or any other condition, and thus denies service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as there was no additional disability and no causation, prior to reaching the issue of informed consent.

Service connection for bronchitis, to include as due to exposure to mustard gas, was denied.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to service.

The Veteran's current left knee disorder is as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of second and fourth metatarsal fractures of the left foot. The Board grants entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left knee disability and residuals of pneumonia.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed lung disability and will remand the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Mercy Memorial Hospital on November 21, 2009 are denied as the treatment was not for a medical emergency and VA facilities were available.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder are not related to service, including in-service chemical exposure.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently diagnosed but the relationship to service is unclear.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disorder, to include bronchitis, is granted as the evidence shows current chronic symptoms that are related to his in-service episodes of bronchitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for bronchitis/asthma was reopened, but no new rating is granted as the current evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5280 (hallux valgus) is at its maximum.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression, finding that it is related to her service-connected multiple sclerosis. The right ear disability and respiratory disability claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The other claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The issues of service connection for headaches, ankle tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, knee disorders, and chronic bronchitis are pending.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred at Providence Centralia Hospital is being remanded due to the lack of relevant records. The AOJ will obtain any missing treatment records and daily notes from November 19-20, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a failure to appear at the scheduled hearing. The case will be returned for further appellate consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity amputations and prostate cancer, cause him to require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities.