Asthma decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for asthma, and an initial compensable evaluation for tinea pedis. The VA examiner found no current diagnosis of a right shoulder disability. For asthma, the criteria were not met for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent. For tinea pedis, the veteran was granted a 10 percent rating effective from August 30, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) because the June 1999 decision establishing May 19, 1993 as the effective date was final. The veteran did not present new and material evidence to reopen his claim.

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

The Board found that the veteran's bronchial asthma was pre-existing and not aggravated by service. The VA denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the appellant's spouse died of acute asthmatic bronchopneumonia, which was not service-connected. The appeal for accrued benefits and death pension was denied due to untimeliness.

The veteran's fungal skin disease and pulmonary disorder, including asthma and bronchiectasis, are found to be related to his military service. The fungal skin disease is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, while the pulmonary disorder is not considered aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and found that the veteran's bilateral hip and leg disabilities are related to his active duty service. The case is remanded for further development regarding the bilateral hip and leg disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected asthma and migraine headaches do not prevent her from obtaining and retaining employment consistent with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. She does not have an employment handicap.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a respiratory disorder characterized as breathing trouble, diagnosed as asthma and bronchitis with COPD. The evidence now submitted supports this finding.

The Board found that the appellant does not have asthma that is attributable to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's asthma pre-existed her military service and was not aggravated by it. The foot disability is also considered to be a direct result of her military service, as she had flat feet and bunions which were exacerbated during her time in the Army.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and a heart condition, including as secondary to bronchial asthma, finding that the pre-existing asthma did not worsen during active duty training.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of asthma, PTSD, or schizophrenia that was incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a higher rating for his bronchial asthma. The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen the psychiatric disorder claim, and it determined that the current level of disability does not warrant a higher rating for bronchial asthma.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, PTSD, and mild, obstructive, ventilatory impairment (bronchial asthma).,There is no current evidence of these conditions in service or post-service.

The Board denied service connection for an eye disability, a brain disability, and a respiratory disability (to include asthma and emphysema). The veteran did not have any diagnosed disabilities related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

Service connection for an asthmatic lung disorder due to chemotherapy and pulmotoxic medication was granted, with a 60 percent rating effective from February 23, 2005.,A compensable rating (10 percent) for residuals of a right fifth metacarpal fracture has been denied.

The veteran's death is being reviewed for possible service connection, but the appeal is currently on hold due to outstanding medical records and a need for a medical opinion. The appellant also seeks DEA benefits based on her husband's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current respiratory disorders, including asthma and bronchitis, were not incurred in or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of a link between her current conditions and military service.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), duodenal ulcer disease, renal colic, bronchial asthma, and residuals of wounds of the forehead, back and thighs. The diagnoses were not established during or within one year after service.