Tuberculosis Board decisions

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective February 18, 1992. The RO also referred the issue of service connection for a back disability to the RO for further action.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence linking the cause of the veteran's death to his military service, and denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review, including adjudicating a claim of clear and unmistakable error in prior rating actions and scheduling a VA examination to address the appellant's employability due to his service-connected lung disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased compensation, service connection, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The evidence did not support an increase in disability or a secondary condition resulting from VA treatment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for tuberculosis, but the claim remains denied as not well grounded due to lack of current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 2, 1997, for the grant of TDIU benefits due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board determined that none of the conditions which caused or contributed to the veteran's death were incurred in service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for multiple conditions, including a shrapnel wound to the right leg, pulmonary tuberculosis, peptic ulcer disease, nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, poor visual acuity, hearing loss, beriberi with neuritis, and nutritional deficiency. The decision also addressed the veteran's claim for former prisoner of war (POW) status for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tuberculosis is not service connected as claimed, and finds no well-grounded claim for this issue.

The Board has determined that the criteria for restoration of a 100 percent disability rating for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis from August 1, 1996, through October 6, 1996, and from and after October 7, 1996, are not met under both the old and new VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. As such, the appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with prior orders and to obtain additional medical records. The veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis is being evaluated as a potential cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of pulmonary tuberculosis do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, as they are currently productive of severe obstructive ventilatory pattern with improvement after bronchodilator use.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disease, including PTB, finding that there is no evidence of active tuberculosis in service or within three years after service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for tuberculosis is not well-grounded due to a lack of evidence of current active tuberculosis. The lung cancer claim was granted as it was determined to be related to asbestos exposure during service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected inactive chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, Stage III, does not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for tuberculosis and loss of teeth as not well grounded. The claim for tuberculosis was based on a positive tine test in service, but there is no medical evidence linking current tuberculosis to service. For loss of teeth, the condition pre-existed entry into service and therefore cannot be considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, tuberculosis, and lateral epicondylitis of the right elbow are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, but has denied the claim as there is no evidence that a disability incurred in or aggravated by service caused or contributed to the veteran's death.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board is granted, and her claim for reopening service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis will be remanded to the RO for further action.