Chronic bronchitis — all decisions

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased evaluation for chronic bronchitis. The claim for PTSD was denied due to insufficient evidence of a combat-related stressor, while the claim for bronchitis resulted in a grant of a 10% evaluation effective from the date of claim.

The veteran's service-connected respiratory disability is of such severity as to preclude him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor, a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current pulmonary disorder, including bronchitis, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms following service and there is no probative evidence linking his current condition to any exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The VA determined that the veteran's bronchitis does not warrant an evaluation higher than 10 percent, as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a more severe disability level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and a low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic bronchitis or a current low back disability. The examiner concluded that any current respiratory problems were likely due to smoking.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness or combination of illnesses that became manifest during the veteran's service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim of service connection for asthma, bronchitis chest pain, and allergic rhinitis.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's bronchitis and reactive airway disease. The disability was rated at 10% from February 2, 1998, through November 15, 2001, and at 30% beginning November 15, 2001.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite, blood and/or sun poisoning, and pneumonia. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected back strain warrants a 20 percent evaluation, resolving all doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lobectomy, right middle and lower lobes, with bronchitis is manifested by dyspnea with moderate obstruction on cardiopulmonary exercise tests and an FEV1 of 51 percent. The criteria for a 60 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various undiagnosed illness-related conditions, including headaches, sleep apnea, skull calcifications, diarrhea, positive tuberculin test findings, and chronic bronchitis. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted the restoration of a 20 percent rating for bilateral defective hearing, but the claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected bronchitis was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board finds that the veteran's nicotine dependence and asthma are not service-connected. The veteran's chronic bronchitis/COPD is also not established.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and right ear hearing loss. The claim of service connection for headaches was reopened but remains denied.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the veteran's hiatal hernia, gastritis and erosive esophagitis with intermittent rectal bleeding and a history of coughing up blood. The issue of service connection for breathing difficulty is not addressed as it does not involve a claim for service connection.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected pleuritis and chronic bronchitis do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent on or after January 4, 2001.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, concluding that his heart disability was not due to a disease or injury incurred in service and that no service-connected condition caused or contributed to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence for an upper respiratory infection, to include bronchitis. The claim for postoperative residuals of a right lung granuloma with chest pain was also denied as there is no established link between the condition and military service.

The Board found that the veteran's asthmatic bronchitis is not attributable to his military service and denied the claim.