Asthma decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims of service connection for asthma, skin cancer, and urinary disorder were denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the veteran's respiratory and bowel conditions, including whether they are aggravated by her service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee, low back, and asthma disorders. The evidence did not support higher evaluations based on current symptomatology.

The veteran's initial evaluations for bronchial asthma and irritable bowel syndrome were granted, with a 30 percent evaluation assigned for each condition effective May 2, 2002.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's asthma and service, including claimed asbestos exposure. Therefore, the claim for service connection for asthma was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for appropriate examinations. The claims will be reconsidered with consideration of all evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for bronchial asthma, reactive airway disease, and obstructive pulmonary disease due to a lack of new and material evidence. The veteran had previously been denied service connection in March 1998 based on no evidence of a nexus between his current respiratory disorder and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's entitlement to a 60 percent rating for bronchial asthma arose on May 17, 1999. Therefore, an effective date of May 17, 1999 is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his scar, left lower quadrant and an increased rating for his bronchial asthma.

The veteran's bronchial asthma is found to be aggravated by his service-connected COPD with pulmonary tuberculosis, and he is granted service connection for this condition. His COPD rating remains at 60 percent effective from the date of claim.

The veteran seeks service connection for bronchial asthma and an initial compensable evaluation for chronic renal disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide corrective VCAA notice, and schedule the veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to issues related to reopening service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss and cerebrovascular accident. The case must be reviewed de novo.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the July 1981 rating decision that denied service connection for asthma. The RO's decision was supported by the evidence then of record and consistent with applicable law and regulations.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and asthma, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's active duty service. The claim for tinea pedis was granted with an initial noncompensable evaluation.,Service connection for a low back disability was not established as it is unrelated to service or his service-connected knee disabilities. Service connection for asthma was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis, effective from the date of the April 2005 VA examination. Service connection for bronchitis and asthma is also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension for a surviving spouse based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to lack of recent medical records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Montgomery, Alabama RO. The issues include seeking an increased rating for low back disability and service connection for emphysema, asthma, and cardiovascular disease.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has determined that a 10 percent disability rating for the service-connected asthma is warranted, effective from May 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected bronchial asthma, right knee arthralgia, and instability in the right knee. The conditions are rated as 30 percent, 10 percent, and 10 percent disabling respectively under the applicable VA rating criteria.