Tuberculosis decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis warranted a 20% rating, which meets the criteria for accrued benefits based on his claim for an increased disability rating.

The VA has granted an increased rating to 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected inactive PTB with bilateral pleural calcifications, effective October 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder on both direct and presumptive bases, including due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the claim or establishing service connection.

The Board denied the claim as the veteran's cause of death was not due to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, but rather due to metastatic colon cancer that developed after separation from service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis and arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of these conditions first manifesting during service or within one year after discharge. The Board also noted conflicting statements from the veteran regarding the date of onset of his PTB or related symptoms.