Asthma decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran's asthma existed prior to his period of active duty for training in June 1987 and did not undergo an increase in severity during service, thus denying service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his non-service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, pseudofolliculitis barbae and bronchial asthma, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchial asthma warrants a rating of 30 percent since February 12, 1998.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded for additional development and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and found that the veteran's sinus disability and allergies were incurred in active service.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bronchial asthma, as well as his requests for higher initial ratings for tinea pedis and sinusitis. The RO also granted service connection and a noncompensable rating for tinea pedis and a 10 percent rating for sinusitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and a prostate condition, as well as his claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The TDIU rating claim is also denied.

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma from 10 percent to 30 percent. The case is being returned for further development, including scheduling an examination and ensuring proper notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchial asthma is causally linked to exposure to oil fire fumes during active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bronchitis and remanded the issues of service connection for asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma and tachycardia do not warrant increased disability evaluations as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal for non-service-connected pension benefits was denied because he did not meet the basic eligibility requirements due to his short period of active military service and the reason for his discharge from service (bronchial asthma) being unrelated to a service-connected disability.

The Board has ordered further development in your case due to pending issues and evidence. Your case was sent to the Board's Evidence Development Unit for additional development.

The veteran's asthma rating is currently at 30 percent, and the RO increased it to 100 percent. The case must be remanded for obtaining additional treatment records from Dr. Darby.

The Board found that the veteran's asthma did not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current 30 percent rating on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was not incurred or aggravated during his active service. The residuals of burns to the hands and face were also not found to be related to service.

The veteran's bronchial asthma is rated as 60 percent disabling, reflecting the need for daily inhalation or oral bronchodilator therapy.