Tuberculosis decisions — 2019

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for PFB, lung scars, right shoulder disorder, and left eye cataract. The acquired psychiatric disorder appeal is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher non-initial rating and service connection for emphysema, claimed as secondary to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, was denied. The TDIU claim was dismissed.

The Veteran's tuberculosis-positive skin test must be remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records related to the Veteran's irregular heartbeat. The increased rating claim for minimal inactive pulmonary tuberculosis remains pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, as secondary to his service-connected tuberculosis, needs further clarification and evidence. The decision is remanded to obtain a medical opinion addressing whether COPD is proximately due to or aggravated by tuberculosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for coronary artery disease, and found that he did not present new and material evidence. The claims for tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus type 2, respiratory issues, left knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, postoperative residuals of left shoulder dislocation, hiatal hernia with history of esophagitis and esophageal polyp were all denied.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the establishment of service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis with residuals and thoracoplasty, resection of two ribs associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and bilateral wrist disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also requested to provide any outstanding VA or private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis and type II diabetes mellitus, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions and that they are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was received since the most recent statements of the case and requires further consideration. The claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, including asthma and tuberculosis, is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active duty service.

The claim for service connection for tuberculosis has been granted. The claims for other disabilities remain pending.

The claims for service connection for thyroid cancer and tuberculosis have been reopened due to new evidence. However, the claims are still being remanded as there is no presumptive service connection available for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of fatigue, diabetes mellitus, spinal tuberculosis, and depression due to incomplete medical release forms and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, and a new opinion is needed from an appropriate physician.