The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder during or immediately following his military service. The VA examiner found that the current respiratory disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by service. For the left knee issues, the rating assigned does not meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 30 percent and the Veteran's claim for TDIU has been denied as there was no evidence showing he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence indicates that a respiratory disease, specifically bronchitis, was not incurred during service and is not otherwise related to service. The VA examiner found that the current respiratory disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.
- Claimed conditions
- bronchitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 15, 2018
- Citation
- 1810278
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1810278.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for frequent urination, erectile dysfunction, chronic pain multiple joints, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and chronic bradycardia, acid reflux, bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to the presence of service-connected conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for bronchitis, OSA as secondary to rhinitis, and migraine headaches as secondary to hypertension or OSA. The AOJ will need to provide additional medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions, including considering the synergistic effects of all relevant exposures.
- Dismissed
Your appeal for service connection for bronchitis has been dismissed because the benefit was granted in a previous rating decision.
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