Tuberculosis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a DRO and Travel Board hearing. The claims will be reconsidered after these hearings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to in-service stressors, but his Tuberculosis claim cannot be granted as there is no evidence of active disease within one year of service discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and tuberculosis, are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of asbestos exposure or any other form of exposure during service.

The Veteran's death was caused by COPD, which the VA physician opined was related to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis. As a result, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for clarification on specific dates of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service. The appeal will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since April 7, 2005. The left foot scar does not warrant a higher rating. The inactive tuberculosis (TB) has been granted but no specific rating or effective date was provided.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of tuberculosis and bilateral hearing loss, as well as the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease was denied, and his claim for TDIU benefits was also denied as the evidence did not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that a rating in excess of 60 percent for residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bilateral partial lobectomies is not warranted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cause of death and found that new and material evidence has been received. The underlying issue of whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death is addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a respiratory disability other than pulmonary tuberculosis, to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary emphysema, or severe asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for COPD and a compensable rating for pulmonary tuberculosis, but granted service connection for COPD with a 100% disability rating effective February 14, 2008. The other issues were not addressed due to remand.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. The appellant is found to have a present disability (pulmonary tuberculosis) that was incurred in or aggravated by active military service, with the disease manifesting within the required presumptive period following service.

The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis disability is currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling. However, the VA examination revealed post-bronchodilator FEV-1 and FEV1/FVC readings of 70 percent or less and a DLCO of 59.2 predicted, which meets the criteria for a rating of 30 percent under the General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's fatal diseases to his military service and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tuberculosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or any other condition related to her service connection claim. The positive PPD skin test is not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular heart hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, and tuberculosis, require the regular aid and attendance of another person for assistance due to physical incapacity when caring for his daily personal needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death in January 2008, finding that there was no evidence showing that his tuberculosis was incurred or aggravated by service.