Tuberculosis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as there is no objective evidence demonstrating current hearing loss for VA purposes.,There is no current diagnosis of upper respiratory problems, and the Veteran has not had one at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tuberculosis. The positive PPD test result was not considered a disability that can be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis, is related to his active service. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding this claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tuberculosis is remanded due to the unavailability of his service medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's recurrent right orchitis and epididymitis, along with renal tuberculosis, are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a lung condition, including tuberculosis, as the evidence does not show that it was aggravated by service and there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the pre-existing condition existed prior to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tuberculosis was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for a low back condition, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is denied. The evidence does not support finding that the Veteran’s current low back disability was caused or aggravated by his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and hearing loss due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology during active service. The Veteran's claims are being sent back for further examination.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and denied nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to lack of qualifying service. The appellant's mother did not submit new and material evidence, and the Veteran's service was only recognized as active from November 1944 to February 1946.

The Board has remanded the cases of GERD, tuberculosis, and heart disability for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service connected. The Board also remanded the issue of respiratory disability (including tuberculosis) due to Gulf War exposure, but did not reach a decision on it.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendinitis is granted as service-connected.,The appeal for tuberculosis has been withdrawn by the Veteran, and thus dismissed.,TDIU based on service-connected disabilities from May 26, 2010 is granted.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to include as due to PTSD is remanded.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) to include as due to PTSD is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any vocational rehabilitation records and readjudicate the claim, considering the August 2016 memorandum decision from the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for tuberculosis residuals due to unclear findings and new evidence.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death because no new and material evidence was submitted, and the existing evidence did not establish a link between the cause of death and service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine spondylosis, left ankle sprain, residuals of a broken nose, tuberculosis (TB), and psoriasis as they are not related to active duty service.,Service connection was also denied for bladder cancer due to occupational exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and records. The issues of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemia (claimed as coronary artery disease) and a stomach disability (claimed as an ulcer). The other conditions were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to potential missing VA treatment records that may be relevant to the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine his eligibility for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including the residual scar associated with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis.