Chronic bronchitis — all decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic bronchitis with bronchiectasis and bilateral varicose veins, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings. The decision also noted that the veteran's leg pain was primarily associated with non-service connected peripheral vascular disease.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of pneumonia and bronchitis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The veteran's unauthorized hospitalization and medical treatment at Jupiter Hospital for chronic obstructive lung disease and acute bronchitis were not service-connected, so reimbursement is denied.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death and denied DIC benefits. The evidence did not establish that nicotine dependence or tobacco use during service caused the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, chronic bronchitis, alopecia areata, and irritable bowel syndrome. The claim for reopening of the irritable bowel syndrome was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran requires regular assistance in most aspects of daily living, primarily with respect to protection from hazards incident to his daily environment, bathing and dressing on account of service-connected pulmonary and psychiatric disabilities. The need for A&A is based on the character of his service-connected conditions.

The Board found no competent medical evidence establishing that bronchitis was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for psychiatric, skin, and pulmonary disorders, as well as a condition on the buttocks. The reasons are not provided in this text.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain private medical records identified by the veteran and ensure full compliance with remand requests. The appeal is now pending for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnoses of bronchitis and pneumonia are secondary to his service-connected arrested pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, emphysema, and laryngitis were incurred as a result of his in-service full-body exposure to mustard gas. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus bradycardia, residuals of a left knee strain, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cause of death and entitlement to accrued benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 60% rating for bronchitis with reactive airway disease due to chlorine gas exposure and for TDIU, finding that no earlier effective dates were factually ascertainable.

The Board found no evidence of asbestosis or a current respiratory disorder related to asbestos exposure during service. The veteran's bronchitis was not shown to be secondary to his service-connected left wrist disorder and is considered unrelated to service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for bronchitis, finding that the new evidence submitted did not establish a relationship between his in-service pneumonia and any current disability.

The veteran's unauthorized medical treatment at Johnston Memorial Hospital from January 25 to January 26, 2000 was denied reimbursement by VA because the condition had stabilized and transfer to a VA facility could have been made on January 24, 2000.

The veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic bronchitis, as well as the propriety of severing his skin disability were denied by the RO.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema as untimely filed, and the issue of an increased evaluation for bronchitis is remanded.

The Board denied increased ratings for laceration of the scalp and bronchitis, and did not address the TDIU claim due to its interdependence with the other issues.