Asthma decisions — 2000

The veteran's asthma, thoracic spine injury, folliculitis of scalp and pityriasis rosea of back are all rated at the minimum level. The claim for PTSD is not well-grounded, and service connection for chronic gum disease and plantar fasciitis of left foot (claimed as a left foot disorder) is also not well-grounded.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is not well-grounded and denied it. The claim to reopen his hemangioma of the face was also denied as no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The veteran's asthma is rated at a 30 percent level, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's service-connected conditions to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma, diagnosed during service and related to exercise-induced symptoms, was incurred in service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma and lung damage are not related to service, while his right ear injury is currently manifested by a well-healed scar. The claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of bronchial asthma prior to the Board's decision.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 60 percent for bronchial asthma with chronic sinusitis after June 27, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current asthma existed prior to service but worsened during service. The claim for respiratory disability is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of her claims, including whether she seeks service connection for a deviated nasal septum secondary to her service-connected respiratory conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome or bronchial asthma, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The veteran's respiratory symptoms are also not supported by evidence.

The veteran's service-connected COPD, asthma, and emphysema are found to be disabling enough for him to be considered unemployable due to his disabilities.

The veteran is entitled to vocational rehabilitation training due to her service-connected disabilities and employment handicap.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the original decision granting service connection for asthma, but not for rhinitis. The denial of restoration was upheld as consistent with applicable law.

The Board is remanding the case to readjudicate whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bronchial asthma.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, finding no competent medical evidence linking the current lung disorders to military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and asthma, but denied his claim for a low back disorder due to lack of competent evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for VA improved disability pension benefits due to his net worth exceeding the threshold, despite his reported medical conditions and expenses.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for service-connected bronchial asthma, effective April 18, 1997. The veteran's claim for a prior effective date is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, as determining whether an individual is directly treated at a local VA medical facility or indirectly through a fee-basis arrangement involves questions of medical management and not eligibility for benefits.