Asthma decisions — 2004

The Board granted a 100 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma effective October 15, 2000. The March 2000 pulmonary function test showed an FEV-1 score of 33% below predicted value.

The RO incorrectly applied the regulations regarding aggravation of preexisting conditions, leading to a reversal of the original grant of service connection for bronchial asthma.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence, including obtaining SSA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's asthma and obstructive airway disease are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the relationship between his current conditions and asbestos exposure.

The veteran's asthma is being remanded for additional development to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, low back condition, gynecological disorder, and PTSD have been granted. The evaluation for the service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of each knee has also been increased to 10 percent from July 9, 1995 to April 20, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bronchial asthma and post-operative residuals of duodenal ulcer, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a chronic lung disability, including bronchial asthma. The veteran's current diagnosis of COPD/asthma is not considered related to his in-service respiratory symptoms as there was no post-service continuity of pulmonary symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma with basal emphysema, bilateral, is rated at 30 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC ratio.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, as well as his increased rating claim for lumbosacral strain. The veteran was granted a 40 percent evaluation for his lumbosacral strain under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma was incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of defective vision in the left eye is addressed in a separate remand.

The veteran's bronchial asthma is rated at a 30 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and assistance due to her physical disabilities, which require daily assistance with activities of daily living. The decision grants special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's combined rating of 80% for service-connected disabilities is not sufficient to warrant a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a head injury, including cognitive disorders and memory dysfunction, are service-connected. The mental disorder to include PTSD is not service-connected. Asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux disease, hypertension, and fibromyalgia are also not service-connected as secondary to any service-connected condition.

The veteran is seeking a higher evaluation for his service-connected bronchial asthma, currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the current extent of the disability and whether a higher rating is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and asthmatic bronchitis, finding that these conditions are not related to the veteran's period of active duty or his service-connected psychogenic gastrointestinal disturbance.

The Board finds that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for asthma is related to asbestos exposure.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bipolar disorder, bronchial asthma, stomach problems, sleep disturbance, muscle and joint pain, weight loss, menstrual disorder, fatigue, headaches, and back pain are mixed. Some issues were granted while others were denied or not addressed.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic asthma, ulcer disease, hiatal hernia/diverticulosis, and heart condition are mixed. Service connection is granted for chronic asthma due to its onset during active duty, but the other conditions are not considered service-connected.