Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as related to his service-connected chronic bronchitis and increased ratings for chronic bronchitis. The Board found that there was no probative evidence of a direct relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected chronic bronchitis, and also determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to January 29, 2008 or from January 29, 2008 to October 21, 2009.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to asbestos exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if any current respiratory disorder, including asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung disease, is related to service or secondary to in-service herbicide exposure. The examiner should also consider whether the preexisting respiratory disorder underwent an increase in disability during service.

The Board finds that the appellant's current respiratory disability, including asthma and bronchitis, is causally related to his active service. The Board affords the appellant the benefit of doubt in favor of a connection between his service and these disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension, residuals of a left shoulder injury, and chronic lung condition (claimed as bronchitis) are all granted. Service connection for DJD and DDD of the lumbar spine is also granted with an initial rating of 10%. The Veteran's arthritis of the right great toe and arthritis of the left great toe each receive an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, and all issues are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a calcified left lung nodule, and chronic bronchitis. The appeals were based on secondary to asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic cough or hypertension during service, and the Veteran did not experience these conditions until years after separation from active duty. There is also no credible evidence linking any current hearing loss to service.,No new evidence was presented to reopen claims for prostate condition and sinusitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's medical treatment on February 25, 2010, at Cumberland Medical Center was not for an emergency and VA facilities were feasibly available. Therefore, he is not eligible for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the loss of the Veteran's claims file and death certificate. The case is now remanded for further development including obtaining VA medical records, a VA insurance file, and a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, residuals of a contusion of the right hand, and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board finds that there is no current evidence of chronic disabilities such as right foot disorder, bilateral corneal abrasions, pseudofolliculitis barbae, or sinusitis. Hypertension was not shown within one year of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis, chest pain, bronchitis, or a skin condition. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bronchitis with bronchiectasis, right lower lobe, was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating beyond the current 30 percent assigned.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and arrange for an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current respiratory disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his service-connected disabilities, but the RO/AMC needs to schedule an examination and consider the revised VA regulations for these grants.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of his claims file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including macules on the tongue, chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic sinusitis, a heart disability, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndromes, bilateral pes planus, and psychiatric disabilities. The decision found no current disabilities or evidence of in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, specifically asthma with chronic bronchitis, is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his current condition. The Board will provide another VA examination and request additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic bronchitis due to inadequate examination and conflicting medical opinions. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory condition is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 1, 2002. Therefore, an earlier effective date for the grant of individual employability is denied.