Asthma decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma with COPD was increased to a 60 percent rating effective January 17, 2007. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder remains in an 'unknown' status as it is not the primary issue being decided.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 60 percent rating is warranted based on his symptoms and medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma and asbestosis is being remanded to obtain additional development, including a VA examination and review of private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of her bronchial asthma, as the most recent evaluations are from nearly three years ago.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current respiratory disability, as well as the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. Regarding the respiratory disorder claim, an examination is needed to determine if the appellant's conditions are due to service or other factors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The main issue remains unresolved regarding an earlier effective date for his 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis with asthma and history of upper respiratory infections.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a mental health nexus opinion.

The Veteran's asthma and left shoulder disability claims are remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection will be considered on a de novo basis if the Veteran attends the scheduled hearing.

The Board determined that the Veteran's asthma rating should be reduced from 60 percent to 30 percent, effective April 1, 2007. The reduction was based on improved pulmonary function test results and no evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma has been remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and dental treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic pulmonary disorder to include asthma and COPD claimed as the result of asbestos exposure, finding no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's left tibial fracture residuals have been rated at 20 percent since July 19, 2004.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have been aggravated by his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and service connection for asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for asthma has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The increased evaluation claim for right leg disability remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including a request for a new hearing. The Veteran's claims for asthma, PTSD, and pulmonary tuberculosis are being reviewed.

The Board found that the appellant's pre-existing respiratory disorder, including asthma did not increase in severity during service and there is no current diagnosis of a respiratory disorder. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for male infertility, bilateral leg and ankle swelling, and asthma have been denied as the evidence does not support a link to his active service or herbicide exposure.