Tuberculosis decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent due to its inactive nature and no evidence of active disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for beriberi heart disease and PTB, as well as his request for an increased evaluation for PTSD. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The VA has determined that the appellant's claim for a higher rating for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is denied as there is no legal entitlement to the benefit sought.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of tuberculosis is denied as there is no evidence of active or inactive tuberculosis currently, and the condition is not linked to service.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis and asbestosis has been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis and bronchitis/asthma, both claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis was well grounded and granted it.

The Board has not determined whether the cause of the veteran's death was service-connected, as new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The decision is pending.

The Board finds that the appellant's pulmonary tuberculosis, which was diagnosed during his active service in 1946, is service-connected.

The veteran's minor children, C. and F., are entitled to an increased apportioned share of the veteran's disability compensation benefits from $150 to $200 due to financial hardship.

The Board denied service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis in 1958, which is now reopened. The claim of benign prostatic hypertrophy remains not well grounded.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his pulmonary tuberculosis with a right lower lobectomy, as the current manifestations do not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, which was far advanced and inactive since the mid to late 1950s, has resulted in significant ventilatory impairment. However, this impairment is more likely related to his COPD and the residuals of a lobectomy and thoracotomy, rather than the PTB itself.

The veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40 percent, and he meets the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.