Asthma decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for myofascial pain due to undiagnosed illness was granted, with a rating of 10 percent and effective June 30, 2000.

The veteran's migraine headaches, prostate disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diverticulitis, bilateral knee disorder, respiratory disorders including sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis, and nasal polyps are all found to be related to service. The veteran was not exposed to radiation during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and an increased rating for bronchial asthma. The Board found no direct or secondary service connection, and concluded that the current disability ratings were appropriate.

The veteran is seeking service connection for asthma, claimed as due to in-service exposure to asbestos and other toxins. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional evidence and determine the etiology of any diagnosed lung disorder found.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for skin disorder, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, all claimed as due to mustard gas exposure. The evidence did not establish full-body exposure to mustard gas during active service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bronchial asthma with psychophysiological pulmonary reaction is currently asymptomatic and does not warrant a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was due to his service-connected stroke and its complications, which substantially contributed to his death. As such, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchial asthma is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his period of active military service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bronchial asthma, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to June 27, 2002 and since then.

The Board finds that the veteran's current respiratory conditions, including asthma and allergic rhinitis, are likely due to workplace exposure during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 9, 1991 for service connection of asthma.

The Board denied service connection for bronchial asthma and a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's skin disorder on his right foot.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and a skin disability. The decision also addressed other issues such as diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, and sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and chronic bronchitis, but granted service connection for COPD. Service connection for sinus condition and asthma is not addressed as the issues are unclear.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for higher ratings for asthma, sinusitis, and condyloma acuminata. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on pulmonary function tests or medical history.

The veteran's claims of increased evaluation for bronchial asthma and TDIU are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the September 2004 VA examination results. Additional records, including pulmonary function test results from October 2001 and September 2004, need to be obtained.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and bilateral pes planus, finding that the veteran's pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current respiratory and stomach disorders to his military service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hypertension or asthma that is attributable to his military service.