Asthma decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's asthma did not have its onset during service and there is no medical evidence linking his current asthma to his military service. The VA examiner opined that it was not as likely as not that the veteran's Churg-Strauss syndrome was related to his military service or his service-connected asbestosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right knee condition, upper and lower back condition, and asthma. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied claims.

The Board denied service connection for gastric cancer and asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the veteran did not have a current disability or evidence of in-service injury or exposure to hazardous substances.

The Board found that the veteran's death was caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, secondary to bronchitis, due to chronic bronchiectasis, emphysema, and asthma. The conditions did not stem from his service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma, diagnosed after service, is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his asthmatic lung disorder before and since February 23, 2005 were denied. The VA examiner opined that the appellant’s asthma significantly interfered with his employment.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have asthma that is related to active military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's asthma does not require courses of oral or parenteral corticosteroids at least three times per year, immunosuppressive medication, or monthly visits to a physician. The VA examiner indicated that the veteran's manifestations of asthma approximate a 60 percent rating based on prior service records, but post-service findings do not support this level of disability.

The veteran's asthma was rated at 30% from May 15, 2004 to March 7, 2005 and at 60% since March 8, 2005.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a permanent and total rating for nonservice-connected pension.

The VA has determined that the veteran's asthma does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 22, 2005 and after March 22, 2005. The current assigned rating is considered appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence linking the veteran's death to his service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for respiratory disorders, including COPD and asthma, as claimed to be residuals of exposure to mustard gas. The evidence did not confirm full-body exposure to mustard gas during service, nor was there a showing of chronic disease in service or subsequent development of the claimed conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran's lung condition, which includes restrictive lung disease with an asthmatic component, does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The veteran's disability rating for chronic bronchitis with residuals was increased to 60 percent effective October 19, 2006. The decision also noted that prior to this date, the veteran had two exacerbations of asthma and another in September 2006.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's pes planus and asthma to service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's asthma is service-connected, but her initial evaluation for left knee instability and arthritis prior to specific dates are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus granting service connection for asthma.