Asthma decisions — 2009

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorder and asthma.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is now pending.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of evidence linking any disability, including schizophrenia, to his death. The appellant provided additional statements and medical records but these did not provide new or material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including providing the Veteran's representative with an opportunity to review the claims folders and complete VA Form 646 or equivalent. The case will also be recertified to the Board.

The Veteran's chronic respiratory disorder, diagnosed as asthma, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's asthma has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since March 2002. The most recent pulmonary function tests have shown FEV-1 ranging from 68 to 92 percent predicted and FEV-1/FVC ratio ranging from 67 to 98 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6602.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is currently manifested by symptomatology requiring daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchial asthma, a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease at L4-L5, L5-S1, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain.

Effective October 20, 2007, the Veteran's bronchial asthma is rated at 60 percent, reflecting the need for intermittent systemic corticosteroids and FEV-1 of 75 percent predicted. The allergic rhinitis remains at its maximum schedular rating due to lack of exceptional factors such as frequent hospitalizations or marked interference with employment. The deviated septum does not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. Chronic headaches are not service-connected, but the claim for PTSD is reopened and new evidence submitted raises reasonable possibility of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the relationship between his current sinusitis and asthma diagnoses and his service.

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis and asthma, finding that the evidence did not establish a link to service.

The Veteran's asthma and asbestosis claims were denied on the merits. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's asthma is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic pneumonia are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his National Guard medical records.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma, low back pain, cervical pain, and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board denied these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial increased disability rating for bronchial asthma is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his incarceration status.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing asthma did not worsen during service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for bronchial asthma and TDIU prior to July 24, 1997 were denied by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his sarcoidosis with asthma, Osgood Schlatter's disease (right and left knees), and a TDIU were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of the disabilities.

The Veteran's kidney disorder, arteriosclerotic heart disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bronchial asthma, and residuals of a left breast shrapnel wound are not service-connected. The claims for these conditions were denied due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service.