Asthma decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was granted. For his respiratory disability, the initial rating prior to October 30, 2009, and a higher rating beginning October 30, 2009, were granted.

PTSD and arthritis of the knees were denied, while asthma was granted.,The denial for PTSD is due to lack of confirmed in-service stressors. Arthritis of the knees has no evidence within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected bronchial asthma and a TDIU rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The VA denied service connection for COPD and asthma, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and diabetes. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's COPD with an asthmatic component was rated at 30 percent prior to December 28, 2006 and increased to 60 percent thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma had its onset in-service and persisted since separation, warranting service connection. The right hip disorder is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5253.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lung disability, including COPD, which he claims was caused by asbestos exposure during his naval service. The Board has determined that the necessary development of evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service asbestos exposure and VA treatment records have not been completed.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current lung disorder, including obstructive lung disease and asthma, is directly related to his military service in Iraq. The VA medical experts have provided strong evidence supporting this conclusion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her inability to be contacted, and the case will be further reviewed after obtaining updated information.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including sarcoidosis and asthma, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its likely etiology due to asbestos exposure during service. The RO must also obtain all outstanding medical records from the Jamaica Plain VAMC and private treatment facilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's asthma, which caused his death, was not related to service and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's asthma was granted a rating of 30 percent effective February 13, 2006. The previous ratings were maintained for the earlier periods.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bronchial asthma. The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine the nature and etiology of her condition, including whether it existed prior to service or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for asthma, which he contends developed due to exposure to burning garbage and feces during his deployment in Iraq. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining personnel records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of new evidence submitted by the appellant in January 2006. The issues on appeal include entitlement to restoration of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected bronchial asthma, an increased disability rating for bronchial asthma, and TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was previously denied, but new and material evidence has been received to reopen this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disability, and asthma have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to these issues.,The Veteran also withdrew his appeals regarding initial increased ratings for right and left hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his pulmonary sarcoidosis with asthmatic bronchitis was granted, effective July 24, 2009. He is now rated at 60 percent for this condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any service-connected conditions to his death.