Tuberculosis decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of evidence showing that his service-connected moderately-advanced, chronic pulmonary tuberculosis caused or contributed substantially to his respiratory failure and pneumonia which led to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tuberculosis, problems with fingers on both hands, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, sickle cell anemia trait, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The appeals were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not warrant readjudication of the tuberculosis claim, as no new and relevant evidence was submitted after the September 2004 denial.,The Veteran's TBI and hypertension claims are remanded due to the submission of new evidence since the April 2010 denial.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and tuberculosis, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's claims were based on his military duties and personal statements, but the Board found insufficient medical evidence of current disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain was rated at 20% prior to October 18, 2018. From that date onwards, the rating remains denied.,For latent tuberculosis, a compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's tuberculosis claim was denied. The rating for hemorrhoids has been granted at a 20% level effective April 29, 2019. Migraine headaches have been granted with a 30% rating. PTSD has been granted with a 50% rating. Other issues remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for a positive TB skin test, as new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no causal relationship between the Veteran's service and his death from pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed TB with residuals. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current respiratory symptoms are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for a tracheal windpipe condition is denied due to lack of evidence of such condition during or recent to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for tuberculosis, finding no new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Board has expanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability, to include tuberculosis, due to new evidence and the need for further examination. The Veteran's duties as Fire Protection Specialist and Assistant Fire Chief are also considered in determining the nature and etiology of any respiratory disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ankle sprain, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, allergies, a headache disability, and a respiratory disability (to include latent Tuberculosis) have all been denied as they are not supported by evidence showing service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed tuberculosis, including hospitalization records and treatment from private providers. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and determine if an examination is needed.

The Board denied the petition to reopen a claim of service connection for tuberculosis, finding no new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service. The claim for tuberculosis was also denied as there is no current disability associated with a positive PPD test.,Service connection requires proof of a present disability resulting from an in-service injury or disease. In this case, the Board found that the Veteran did not have any chronic disabilities related to his military service.

The Veteran's bladder cancer and right inguinal hernia scar have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine spondylosis, left ankle sprain, lung disability (to include tuberculosis), and psoriasis due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability and TB exposure to provide additional medical opinions that address the Veteran's service connection claims.