Tuberculosis decisions — 2017

Service connection for left tennis elbow and lateral epicondylitis was denied, but service connection for tuberculosis was granted as a result of positive PPD test during service.,The Veteran's claim for tuberculosis is based on the presumption that he had active tuberculosis due to his positive PPD test.

The Veteran's combined disability rating from September 15, 2016 is 80 percent. The competent and probative evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from September 15, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's chest pain is considered a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness due to service in the Southwest Asia Theater, and has been rated as a scar.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, cardiorespiratory arrest due to pulmonary tuberculosis and severe malnutrition, was not caused or contributed substantially by any service-connected disability. The evidence did not establish a direct link between his service and these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's common variable immune deficiency was first manifested during service or caused by chemical exposures in service, which led to his secondary conditions including asthma, mycoplasma infection, chronic bronchitis, and residuals of pneumonia. Service connection is granted for these secondary conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tuberculosis, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The issue of service connection for hives was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule him for examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including right shoulder disability, hypertension, heart disability (mitral valve prolapse), PTSD, TBI, lumbar strain, and need for aid and attendance.

The Board granted the Veteran a TDIU effective October 4, 2004. The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his inactive pulmonary tuberculosis was denied. The Board found that the current 20 percent disability rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition, as he does not have 'far advanced' lesions and continues to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath on exertion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for pulmonary tuberculosis was denied, but he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant's statements do not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected inactive far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from metastatic cancer. The examiner opined that the Veteran's TB was resolved and no longer active, and there was no evidence of residual scarring or chronic inflammation contributing to lung cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.