Tuberculosis — all decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of tuberculosis, chronic lumbar spine disorder, residuals of bilateral trench foot, and a chronic headache disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or continuity of symptoms. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of medical evidence supporting his assertions.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 13, 2020 for the Veteran's service-connected lung disability and denied his request for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(q).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tuberculosis chorioretinitis with left paracentral scotoma, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 25, 2003. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted for the entire period of appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and readjudication of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tuberculosis, high blood pressure associated with tuberculosis, left inguinal hernia associated with tuberculosis, and right inguinal hernia associated with tuberculosis. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current medical evidence or a causal relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The hearing testimony provided during his April 2019 Board hearing is considered new and material evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board granted a 100% disability rating for TB from August 31, 2006 to April 22, 2007 and from April 27, 2011 to May 17, 2015. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% disability rating for TB.

The Board denied service connection for tuberculosis, astigmatism and hypermetropia, and peripheral retinal degeneration due to lack of a current disability diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and private treatment records. The issues of an increased evaluation for his service-connected left epididymo-orchitis with left hydrocele and entitlement to a TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 31, 2011 due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities not being sufficient to render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and his thoracolumbar spine disability and left foot disorder are granted. The remaining issues of service connection for heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and tuberculosis/positive PPD are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, asthma, and pulmonary tuberculosis due to an inability to contact the Veteran regarding their status.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and/or pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to non-compliance with prior remand directives, specifically obtaining all outstanding VA treatment records from the Philadelphia VAMC.