Tuberculosis decisions — 2008

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions as being related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for tuberculosis and increased tinnitus have been withdrawn. Service connection for sinusitis is not established, while diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of both legs are each rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for residuals of tuberculosis and service connection for Hepatitis C, finding no evidence of active disease or residual symptoms.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's COPD is permanently aggravated by her service-connected TB.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to lack of evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to his period of service. The claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits was also denied as there is no legal entitlement under the law.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's arteriosclerosis and pulmonary tuberculosis to his service-connected right thigh disability, or any other incident of service. The cause of death is therefore denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The appeals for the initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also denied as there is no legal basis to assign a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of tuberculosis and unspecified residuals of Agent Orange exposure. The lung disability, other than TB, and left ear hearing loss claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of tuberculosis and therefore cannot establish service connection for residuals of tuberculosis.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, and residuals of an appendectomy as these conditions did not have onset during active service or within applicable presumptive periods.

The Board finds that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and therefore, service connection for the cause of death is denied. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his active duty. The claim was also denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen a previously denied claim.