Asthma decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and diabetes mellitus, as well as increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and recurrent tibia fractures are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from his treating physician and determining the frequency of systemic corticosteroid use.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including asthma and obstructive sleep apnea, were not incurred in service or due to exposure to Agent Orange or asbestos. The benign pulmonary nodules were also unrelated to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bronchial asthma. The issue of service connection for a back disability is inextricably intertwined with the pending claim and will be remanded along with it.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma were denied. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating, while his bronchial asthma remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed bronchial asthma is related to his period of active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disorder other than asthma, claimed as World Trade Center cough, is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for service connection for asthma was granted. The initial rating of 30 percent is assigned, effective April 14, 2008.

The Board is considering both the petition to reopen and the CUE claim for residuals of pneumonia. The original denial was based on lack of evidence of chronic conditions, but new service treatment records suggest reconsideration.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection and compensation are no longer before the Board.