Tuberculosis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The issues include service connection for various conditions such as thyroid cancer, breast mass, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, hypertension, digestive disorders, migraine headaches, diabetes mellitus, and neurological conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to myocardial infarction caused by respiratory failure and lung cancer. The Board denied an earlier effective date prior to June 5, 2000 for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hypertension was denied as not related to service, and secondary to COPD or heart disease. His tuberculosis claim was reopened due to new evidence.,Service connection for tuberculosis is granted based on a diagnosis from VA in 1975.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and pulmonary tuberculosis, render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for low back disability is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for tuberculosis is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for hepatitis C is granted, but service connection is denied.,Service connection for cramps in thighs and legs is denied.,Service connection for hammertoe of the right foot is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disorder was dismissed as the Veteran did not file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD).,VA denied the Veteran's tuberculosis claim in March 1996, and it became final. The Veteran has not submitted new and material evidence to reopen this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for back pain as due to an undiagnosed illness, but denied the remaining issues of service connection for vision disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, latent tuberculosis, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a pulmonary mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, with residual apical scarring and obstructive pulmonary disease (including emphysema and bronchiectasis), is denied.

The Veteran's tuberculosis is denied as there is no current disability, only a positive PPD test result.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is denied because he was not receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis on August 19, 1968.

The Board determined that the reduction of the rating for tuberculosis with right parenchymal scarring from 100 percent to 30 percent was proper, as the Veteran's condition had improved and he was now rated under Diagnostic Code 6604.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis, tuberculosis (not currently present), bilateral hearing loss disability, recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with right heel spur are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a 30 percent rating for the recurrent left mandible lesion status post removal with anesthesia at mental distribution from February 2, 2016, and a separate 10 percent rating for facial asymmetry due to this condition.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions has been granted. The specific conditions include low back strain, hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), and residuals of exposure to tuberculosis disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low blood cell count, respiratory disorder, swelling of the extremities, back disorder, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, bladder disorder, IBS (bowel disorder), dental disorder, and schizophrenia have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen any of these claims.

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