Asthma decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder and an increased rating for right ankle Achilles tendonitis, finding that the medical evidence did not support higher ratings or additional benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of the record, including obtaining SSA records and disability retirement medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, including asthma, did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise, and therefore, the veteran's current asthma was manifested during service. As a result, the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for asthma.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities result in him needing regular aid and assistance.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete evidence and the need for additional examinations. The RO will secure all relevant medical records, arrange for VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for cause of death, nonservice-connected death pension benefits, and accrued benefits due to lack of evidence linking the veteran's conditions to his active service.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bronchial asthma was denied, and his claim for a compensable rating for tinea cruris was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for tinea cruris.

The Board found that bronchial asthma existed prior to service entrance and was not aggravated during service, thus granting the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the appellant's asthma was not incurred or aggravated during his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent since September 26, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorder, claimed as asthma, is not causally related to disease or injury during his active service, including any exposure to asbestos.

The veteran's asthma is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, effective from the date of the decision. The veteran's asthma continues to warrant a 60 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and asthma, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims. The Board concluded that the veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service service or exposure, and that any symptoms he experienced were more likely due to post-service factors.

The Board denied service connection for respiratory and joint pain disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims were based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure to a specific agent or illness.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bronchial asthma, finding that no formal or informal claims were received prior to February 7, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic asthmatic bronchitis and entitlement to special monthly pension (SMP) on account of being in need of aid and attendance (A&A). The Board found that there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to active duty, and thus denied both claims.