Asthma decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bronchial asthma and entitlement to a total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension, both for the period prior to November 1, 1999.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for asthma and granted it, finding that his preexisting asthma worsened during his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a foot disorder, lung disorder (asthma), and chin disorder have been granted. The lung disorder is specifically noted as bronchial asthma.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for asthma, reopened in August 1976, is remanded to allow for additional development and consideration of the evidence.

The VA has determined that the veteran's asthma and lumbar spine disability do not warrant higher initial ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or contributed to his service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of bronchial asthma, which was previously denied in June 1975. The veteran's testimony is considered significant in this decision.

The veteran's exercise induced asthma was productive of mild symptoms prior to August 10, 1996, with no more than a 10 percent rating assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his hepatitis is healed with no current symptoms or residuals. Therefore, both conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and therefore denied both his claim for service connection for the cause of death and his eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35. The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's heart disease to any incident or condition during active military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his pulmonary function test results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected bronchial asthma, which was the veteran's claim pending at the time of his death. The VA determined that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a 100% schedular rating due to frequent attacks and severe dyspnea on exertion.

The veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome is rated at 60 percent since July 1997, and his bronchial asthma remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for bronchial asthma and found no compensable rating is warranted for the residuals of ectopic pregnancy with laparoscopy and left fimbriectomy.

The Board has determined that the appellant's asthma existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus granting service connection for asthma.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed bronchial asthma and sleep apnea disorders were not incurred or aggravated by active service, while his stasis dermatitis disorder was not shown to be related to service. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on her need for regular aid and assistance due to multiple physical and mental disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected asthma was denied as he failed to cooperate with requests for examination, which is a requirement for evaluating the disability.

The veteran's asthma is currently rated at 60 percent, and the RO has continued this rating. However, a new examination was ordered to determine if additional factors warrant an increased rating or TDIU.