Tuberculosis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with left leg pain, and service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, sinus disorder, and lung disorder (claimed as tuberculosis and chronic chest pain) were denied. The Veteran was not granted an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with left leg pain prior to October 29, 2009, or a rating in excess of 40 percent since that date.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lung disorder, including tuberculosis and/or a lung lesion. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature of any current lung disorders and their relationship to his service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his inactive tuberculosis of the thoracic spine, T-4 vertebra with degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent from September 26, 2003 to January 10, 2007, and from January 11, 2007 to June 11, 2008. The claim was also denied as he did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent since June 12, 2008.

The Board denied the reopening of the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted to support the claim.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been received since the October 2002 denial.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board is unable to decide whether his current conditions are related to military service due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disease, to include tuberculosis, and hepatitis was denied. The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses or in-service events that would support the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected far advanced inactive tuberculosis with lobectomy has prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his hearing loss, tinnitus, and tuberculosis claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder (other than tuberculosis) is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during or after her active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, tuberculosis, and sinusitis are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found no new and material evidence to support reopening the claim, but noted that the primary causes of death (pulmonary tuberculosis and myocardial infarction) were within presumptive periods after service separation. The decision is mixed as it acknowledges some potential for reopening based on new evidence while also noting previous denial.

The Veteran's tuberculosis, hypertension, and anxiety disorder claims are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis was manifested by continued disability including, dyspnea; during the active stage the Veteran's pulmonary tuberculosis exhibited moderately advanced lesions. The Board finds that a rating of 20 percent is warranted for the Veteran's pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The issues of increased evaluation for pulmonary tuberculosis, service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lumbar spine disorder, and osteoporosis are pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have active tuberculosis and therefore, cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic back disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus secondary to PTB is reopened. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active military service or any incident thereof.

The Veteran's appeal of entitlement to service connection for residuals of tuberculosis was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to pulmonary tuberculosis and severe malnutrition. However, it is unclear whether these conditions are related to his military service.