Tuberculosis decisions — 2019

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development due to the VA examiner's failure to address certain medical records and provide an opinion on the severity of the Veteran’s symptoms.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's diabetes and erectile dysfunction are service-connected, but his tuberculosis claim requires further examination. The rating for diabetes remains at 20 percent, and SMC for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, otitis media of the left ear, cholera, tuberculosis, hypertension, dysentery, kidney disability, a disability manifested by blood occult in the urine, an acquired psychiatric disability (including general anxiety disorder), and PTSD. The reopening is based on new evidence suggesting Agent Orange exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory condition, including tuberculosis, and for a right shoulder disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, diagnosed as unspecified depressive disorder, is granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and effective dates for increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, specifically tuberculosis and asthma. The issues of service connection are intertwined with his TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for tuberculosis as there is no probative medical evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea with UARS and latent tuberculosis are currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has determined that an additional VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of these disabilities, as well as any residuals from the pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pelvic disability, deviated septum, and tuberculosis have been dismissed as the Veteran requested a withdrawal of these claims during his November 2016 hearing.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been granted based on new evidence showing a nexus to active service. The claim for gastrointestinal disorder (including gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, and fecal incontinence) has also been reopened.

The Veteran's Bell’s palsy was denied as it is not related to service or any service-connected disability.,The appellant withdrew her appeal for an increased rating of hemorrhoids, left ankle disorder (arthralgia), low back disorder, chondromalacia patella, left knee with arthritis, chondromalacia patella, right knee with arthritis, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchopneumonia, peptic ulcer disease and gastritis (claimed as gastrointestinal disorder), prostatitis, and pyelonephritis.