Asthma decisions — 2008

The Board has remanded the case to allow for additional development, including obtaining the veteran's complete service medical records and affording him a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and a back disorder, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims. The Board also found no medical nexus between the current back condition and active duty service.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his unemployability solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities, particularly his asthma.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate was denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent disabling with additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent, nor was he shown to be substantially confined to his home by reason of his service-connected disabilities prior to October 27, 2003.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including asthma, prostate disability, impotence, diabetes mellitus, and heart disability. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Board found that the veteran's current respiratory disorder is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for proper notice and the need to obtain the veteran's social security records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for asthma. Service connection is granted for this condition, but not for a respiratory disease other than asthma.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal through their representative.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and outstanding records from various facilities.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of hernia repair. The veteran underwent a hernia repair while in service and the separation examination noted an umbilical hernia repair scar.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, arthritis, and an increased evaluation for ischemic heart disease. The claim of service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis was not reopened.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dyspnea and PTSD were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's bronchial asthma does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent, as it is not severe enough to warrant such an increase.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for asthma and granted it on the merits. The evidence shows that her respiratory symptoms, including asthma, are related to her active duty in the Gulf War.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his bronchial asthma and TDIU, finding that the current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for asthma, which was previously denied in May 1948. As a result, the claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that there is no nexus between the veteran's current mild persistent bronchial asthma and his service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for reactive airway disease since May 19, 2003.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for asthma, finding that his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on objective pulmonary function test results and medical records.