Tuberculosis Board decisions

The Veteran's tuberculosis, which is not active but has caused shortness of breath and pulmonary function tests showing a ratio of FEV-1 to FVC from 71 to 80 percent and DLCO (SB) from 66 to 80 percent of predicted values, meets the criteria for a 10% rating under DC 4.97.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for a skin disorder (mucous patch), left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The remaining claims are pending.

The Board found that the service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted since the final January 1961 RO decision is not sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis residuals are found to have contributed to the onset or hastened the progression of his fatal pneumonia, which was listed as the primary cause of death. The Board finds that the appellant has met the criteria for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not meet the criteria for service-connected burial benefits.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of right shoulder disability and pulmonary tuberculosis, both of which are not related to his military service. The Veteran's low back disability claim will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed pulmonary tuberculosis and asthma. The Board will also determine if there was any aggravation of pre-existing conditions in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis does not warrant a compensable rating as his current respiratory impairment is related to nonservice-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his respiratory capacity is related to his nonservice-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for PTB. The claim of new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a tailbone fracture, tuberculosis, and dental trauma. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of a right fourth toe fracture was also denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's respiratory disabilities other than pleurisy, including bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, asthma, tuberculosis in remission and sleep apnea are causally related to his active service. The left ear hearing loss is not compensable.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially or materially contributed to by a disability incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The appellant's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound were also denied.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis with segmental resection of the left upper lobe, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The October 1970 rating decision denied service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis, finding that the disease existed prior to service and was not aggravated therein. The Veteran's claim is being reopened based on new evidence submitted since then.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected inactive, moderately advanced pulmonary tuberculosis warrants a 30 percent disability rating since January 2004 and no higher.

The Board found no evidence of current tuberculosis, cardiovascular disorder, or parasthesia of the left lower extremity. The Veteran's positive PPD test during service is not considered a current disability.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, increased rating, and service connection are denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, head injury residuals, and tuberculosis.