Tuberculosis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, but his claims for tuberculosis, bilateral hearing loss, and infectious pericarditis were dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of osteoarthritis, bilateral hypertrophic compound astigmatism, pulmonary tuberculosis, aortic sclerosis, osteoporosis and compression fracture of the thoracolumbar spine, and presbyopia, cataracts, pterygium, and age-related macular degeneration. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's current left shoulder disorder is not related to his active military service or any disability incurred therein.,Left side pleurisy due to plural scarring associated with the service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis does not warrant a separate compensable disability rating.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection for tuberculosis. The remaining issues of initial compensable ratings for the broken left index finger and hemorrhoids are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service connected, but his right ear hearing loss and tuberculosis are not. The case must be remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding the current status of his left ear hearing loss, knee disabilities, and asthma.

The Veteran's claims for shingles and tuberculosis were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities. The claim for a left leg scar was granted as it is likely related to service.,Claims for digestive disorder, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and rosacea are not addressed in this decision.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis from September 25, 2008 to January 19, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and potential exposure to herbicides, and requests that the Veteran provide releases for additional records.

The Veteran's cause of death, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, is not service-connected as it did not result from his military service. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions were not a contributory cause to his death.

The Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including COPD and PTB, are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a compensable evaluation for inactive tuberculosis of the lymph nodes, right mediastinal. The issue is therefore dismissed.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for positive tuberculosis was proper, but denied the severance of service connection for recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

The Board finds that the Veteran's sinusitis is related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected tuberculosis residuals and right eye disability are not sufficient to meet the requirements for a TDIU as they do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of representation, and the Veteran's authorized representative was given an opportunity to submit written argument on their behalf.

The Veteran is not entitled to SMC benefits because his tuberculosis has been inactive and he is currently receiving a higher monthly payment for his skin disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis, an acquired psychiatric disability, corns of the right foot, hypertension, hepatitis A and B, and a prostate disorder. The evidence did not establish any current disabilities or link them to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing VA treatment records and terminal hospitalization records, as well as a need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected tuberculosis and his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of tuberculosis and her spina bifida occulta is a congenital defect, for which service connection cannot be granted. Therefore, both claims are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for tuberculosis, knee disability, and hearing loss. The claim to reopen service connection for residuals of a head injury and cyst on the brain was denied. The claim to reopen service connection for fungus on the fingernails and toenails was granted. The claim to reopen service connection for shin splints and heel spurs was denied.