Asthma decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchial asthma is not related to his active service and denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcoholism, a lung disorder, dental trauma, a right knee disorder, and left ear hearing loss as the evidence did not support a medical nexus between these conditions and the veteran's period of active duty.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, chronic liver disease, chronic inguinal hernia, arteriosclerosis obliterans, and bronchial asthma. The claims were reopened but ultimately denied.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of both knees, asthma and chronic colds, abnormal liver function tests, and a chronic right hand disorder. The veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence.

The Board granted service connection for a respiratory disorder, specifically asthma, finding that it was related to the veteran's military service and exposure to asbestos.

The veteran is granted a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits due to his advanced age and current level of disability, which render him permanently unemployable.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include as a result of exposure to herbicides and asbestos.

The veteran's asthma was not caused or made chronically worse by his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease, hypertension, respiratory problems (to include asthma), bilateral knee disorder, sleep disorder, chronic skin rash, and sexual dysfunction as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's active service.

The Board found that bronchial asthma and lymphadenopathy of the lung were not incurred or aggravated during active service, as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to support their preexistence in service. The veteran's childhood history of asthma was noted but did not increase in severity during service.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of various conditions, and the Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and gout, finding no evidence of a nexus to the veteran's military service.

The claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability was reopened, but ultimately denied. The claims for left ear fungus/otitis, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma were not reopened.

The veteran's bronchial asthma is not productive of a Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV-1) less than 40 percent predicted; or the ratio of FEV-1 to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent; or more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure; or required daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications.

The veteran's asthma was rated at 60 percent from February 25, 2003 to March 24, 2004 and then reduced to 30 percent from March 25, 2004 to December 19, 2005. The rating remained at 60 percent from December 20, 2005 until July 20, 2006.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence and a more thorough examination.

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and, if necessary, a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current asthma.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asthma was denied, as there is no evidence linking the condition to his active service. The PTSD claims were also denied, and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was not granted.

The appeal was denied for new and material evidence not being presented, and the veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent.