Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and chronic bronchitis, as well as a TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bronchial disability, also claimed as bronchitis and spores, has been resolved by a September 2024 rating decision of the VA which granted the claim. The Board dismissed the appeal due to this resolution.

The Veteran's bronchitis with asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DCs 6600 and 6602.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate etiology opinions and inextricably intertwined issues of service connection and TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and respiratory disabilities are denied. The respiratory claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further evaluation. The initial ratings for bronchial asthma with bronchitis, erectile dysfunction (ED), coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, left carotid artery blockage status post endarterectomy, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), double bypass heart surgery with lower heart valve replacement, painful sternotomy scar secondary to heart surgery, hyperlipidemia, type two diabetes mellitus (DM-II), chronic sinusitis, recurrent colonic polyps, left middle finger condition, and left ring finger condition are also remanded.

The Veteran's asthma with chronic bronchitis and obstructive sleep apnea is rated at 60 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6602. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his FEV-1/FVC ratio is within normal limits and he does not require daily use of systemic corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications.

The Veteran's OSA with chronic bronchitis is rated at 100 percent, effective October 2012. The rating for prior to June 10, 2015, chronic bronchitis remains noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the claims for a lower back disability, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), right knee disability, respiratory disease including tonsillitis, bronchitis and sleep apnea, ulcer condition, migraine headaches, skin disability, tuberculosis, and insomnia due to unclear evidence of service connection.,Service connection cannot be established as there is no current diagnosis for the claimed conditions.

The appeals for service connection for sinusitis, rhinitis, and chronic bronchitis have been dismissed.,The appeals for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome (claimed as arthritis in knees), left knee degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome (claimed as arthritis in knees), and tinnitus have been remanded.

The Veteran's bronchitis is currently rated at 60 percent effective April 21, 2021. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, which was service-connected, substantially and materially contributed to his death from fentanyl and gabapentin toxicity. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's SMC at the statutory housebound rate is denied as his entitlement to a higher level of SMC has not been met.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis and bronchitis, finding no current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The Board also granted the Veteran a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bronchitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis due to an error in providing notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD, asthma, and chronic bronchitis due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider all relevant evidence. The Veteran's symptoms are related to in-service exposure to burn pit smoke.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis/COPD is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA TERA medical opinion did not address the issue of burn pit exposure and the synergistic combined effect of all TERAs.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD but denied service connection for a respiratory disability to include recurrent bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis and bronchitis due to procedural errors in the prior rating decisions. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations to address his exposure history and medical opinions are needed regarding the onset of his conditions during active duty.