Tuberculosis decisions — 2003

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis, finding that the veteran's condition was not more than definitely symptomatic with pulmonary fibrosis and moderate dyspnea on extended exertion.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence showing a disability related to active service or a compensable degree within an applicable presumption period.

The Board has granted a 10 percent initial rating for the veteran's calcified right cerebellar nodule, most likely due to old tuberculosis. The veteran does not have any current residuals of the condition.

The VA determined that the veteran does not currently have a disability due to a positive tuberculin tine test and there is no evidence of tuberculosis or chest disease. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for any of the principal or contributory causes of death, and denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(g) for inactive tuberculosis, finding that he was not entitled to such benefits as his original claim of service connection for tuberculosis was received more than one year after his separation from active military service.

The Board found that the veteran's military service and/or his service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death. The immediate cause of his death was cardiorespiratory arrest, which is linked to diagnosed heart disease but not directly related to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the case.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of right ear defective hearing or tuberculosis in service, and the claims are denied.

The Board granted service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis and assigned an effective date of June 9, 1992 based on the submission of new and material evidence received in June 1992.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for tuberculosis, which is presumed to have existed prior to service. The veteran's active tuberculosis within three years of separation from service is considered presumptive under VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no competent evidence linking the cause of death to his military service.

The Board found that the cause of death was not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically PTB. The veteran is also granted DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to the absence of a totally disabling service-connected disability at the time of his death.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchial asthma, was not caused or contributed to by his military service. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions were not related to his time in service.