Chronic bronchitis Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of a 100 percent evaluation for bronchitis. The AOJ needs to consider whether the June 2019 submission constitutes an adequate NOD and address any alternative actions based on the arguments provided.

The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for his thoracic spine strain and service connection for his respiratory condition (chronic bronchitis) are remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the record existing prior to the appealed decision, including a lack of an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is not considered to be the primary cause of his COPD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and chronic bronchitis due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The case is being returned to the AOJ for a new VA medical opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of insomnia or bronchitis, and therefore denied service connection for these conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain clarification on whether the Veteran currently has these conditions and if they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy, skin disease, nasal disability, respiratory disability, and headaches have all been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances were denied because the evidence did not show that her knee braces or cane caused damage to her outer garments, and shoes are not considered clothing for VA purposes.,The Veteran was found to have multiple service-connected disabilities including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, bilateral hearing loss and bronchitis, right and left knee conditions, tinnitus, and radiculopathy. However, the evidence did not show that her knee braces or cane caused damage to her outer garments.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 100 percent for asthma with bronchitis has been dismissed as moot because she was granted permanent and total disability status for her service-connected condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for alcohol dependence, anxiety, COPD, insomnia, depression, and asthmatic bronchitis due to the Veteran's death.

The Board dismissed the appellant's appeals for various disability ratings and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of the appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis with bronchiectasis and CRPS as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis are granted. However, the claim for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of recurrent bronchitis, left knee disorder, and neck disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The issues are related to whether these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, left ear hearing loss, and chronic bronchitis have been dismissed. A 10 percent rating is granted for a painful scar of the left index finger.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeals for service connection for allergies, bronchitis, cervical spine disability, lower back disability, left ankle disability, and sleep apnea. The appeal is also remanded for further examination regarding SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination for chronic bronchitis. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with these additional pieces of evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and bronchitis, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a respiratory disability other than COPD.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for parental special monthly compensation and service connection due to untimely filing of a VA Form 10182.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to bronchitis due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service disease or injury, or a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's COPD is rated at 60 percent since May 7, 2017. The Board found the evidence supported a 60 percent rating based on near constant cough and antibiotic usage.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea was previously granted in an October 2023 rating decision, and the appeal is dismissed as neither the Veteran nor his representative has appealed the rating or effective date.