Asthma decisions — 2007

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for asthma, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and no relationship to service. The claims for reopening service connection for low back disorder and type II diabetes mellitus were not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma, with residuals of a resection of the left lower lobe, warrants a 30 percent evaluation effective July 17, 2006.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and schizophrenia, paranoid type) are being evaluated for their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is REMANDED for an additional examination addressing the impact of these conditions on employment.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete records and additional development is required.

The veteran requested to withdraw their appeal regarding the reduction of a rating for bronchial asthma, and as such, the appeal has been dismissed.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing back condition (DDD with spondylolisthesis and right lateral cutaneous nerve dysfunction) was aggravated by his active duty service, and also found that his pre-existing asthma existed prior to service but worsened during service. Therefore, both conditions are granted as secondary to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bronchial asthma and a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar myositis, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for acne vulgaris and folliculitis is being remanded. The claim to reopen his previously denied service connection claim for bronchial asthma was denied due to the lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's asthma and schizophrenia disabilities do not warrant increased ratings, while his schistosomiasis disability is not compensable.

The Board denied service connection for papular dermatitis, residuals of the removal of a cyst on the right hand, and asthma. The veteran's skin condition was not linked to his active duty service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms post-service.,Service connection for asthma was also denied as there is no credible evidence that it occurred during active duty training or has a nexus to service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for bronchial asthma, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the increased rating of 60 percent for bronchial asthma, finding that no evidence was factually ascertainable to warrant a higher rating prior to July 30, 1999.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asthma and reactive airway disease was denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claims for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for hypertension, compensable rating for hearing loss, and TDIU are deferred pending completion of the development sought in the remand.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including notification under the VCAA and a medical examination to determine if his current asthma and allergic rhinitis were incurred or aggravated during active duty.