Tuberculosis decisions — 2009

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his inactive service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, and the case has been remanded due to the need for further development including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The primary residual of his right navicular fracture with tenosynovitis and bone spurs is subjective pain, while pes cavus, plantar fasciitis, sinus tarsi syndrome, and tibial tendonitis are unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current respiratory disability, including tuberculosis, is related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis, which is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within three years after his discharge from service. The only service-connected condition was malaria with anemia, which did not contribute to cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and tuberculosis have been denied. The claim for hepatitis B remains pending as there is insufficient evidence to determine its current status.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and PTSD. The claim for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis was previously denied in 1955 and is not currently being reopened.

The Board found that the Veteran's pulmonary tuberculosis, which manifested in 1977, was not related to his active service and did not contribute substantially or materially to his death. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including tuberculosis, liver damage and hepatitis, endocrine system damage with diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, neuropathy of extremities, diabetic retinopathy blindness, and headaches. The decision found that new evidence did not support reopening the claim for residuals of tuberculosis, and that there was no direct service connection for any of the other conditions.

The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with left fibrous pleurisy, and secondary respiratory conditions. Accrued benefits are granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and the treatment provided at VA facilities in the 1960s did not cause or hasten his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that PTB did not manifest during or within one year after service and was not related to any aspect of his service. The Board also found no evidence linking his death to a service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected tuberculosis, and thus, service connection for the cause of death is denied.

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