Asthma decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. For the period from July 1, 2008 to June 20, 2010, her right ankle disability was rated at 20 percent and from June 21, 2010, it was rated at 30 percent. Her asthma claim resulted in a denial of an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between his hypertension and service-connected conditions, as well as an assessment of whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for asthma has been reopened and granted. Service connection for hypertension was not established, but the Veteran is currently receiving a separate rating for tinnitus (10%) in conjunction with his M�niére's disease (30% for vertigo).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchial asthma and hypertension, which were incurred during service, caused his death. The medical evidence supports this conclusion.

The Veteran's asthma is not service connected as it pre-existed his military service and there is no evidence of a permanent increase in disability beyond the natural progression of the disease during active duty for training.

The Veteran's obstructive lung disease, diagnosed as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), was incurred during active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the Veteran's treatment and examining him to determine if he currently has PTSD or asthma. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this is completed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed asthma is reasonably shown to have had its onset during his active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder is granted.

The Board has found that asthma is related to the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. The Board finds that additional development is necessary, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his respiratory conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability. However, the Board found insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's current lung disabilities and his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's asthma is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for asthma and hypertension, as well as TDIU, are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic lung disability (including asthma) are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lung disorder is not related to his period of active service, including any in-service asbestos exposure or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain National Guard treatment records and VA outpatient clinic records, as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claim will also be reviewed with the assistance of a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, claimed as bronchial asthma. The Board has determined that further development is needed to establish the relationship between his current diagnoses and his military service.