Asthma decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is service-connected.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted due to herbicide exposure during service in Korea.,Chronic upper respiratory disorder (bronchial asthma) is not service-connected.,Depressive disorder secondary to service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is not service-connected.,Low back disorder is not service-connected.,Intestinal disorder is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma and low back disorder are related to her service, specifically her periods of active duty. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and the other issues on appeal. The Veteran's asthma was incurred coincident with her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral peripheral vestibular loss and asthma, have rendered her unemployable due to the severity of her symptoms. The Board has granted TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, a back disorder, and a left knee disorder as the evidence did not establish an in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.,There is no clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's pre-existing asthma existed before his acceptance into active duty. The Board found that there was no aggravation during service.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 30, 2007. The rating reflects intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as VA medical facilities were reasonably available and should have been utilized, especially since the Veteran was initially at the VA ER.

The Veteran's asthma was not incurred in service, and the Board finds that he does not have a current disability of asthma. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is remanded for further examination to determine an appropriate rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to issues with notification and assistance.

The Veteran's asthma has not resulted in the required criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule, and thus his claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome and asthma, seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis with asthma and pneumonitis, finding no new and material evidence presented.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting asthma did not undergo a permanent increase in severity as a result of military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's asthma was not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and he is denied an increased rating. The claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits remains pending as another VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as his service-connected bronchial asthma, alone, did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is presumed to be due to asbestos exposure during service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, PTSD) may also be related to service. Service connection for substance abuse was granted.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current respiratory allergies or asthma to his military service, including any in-service herbicide exposure. The VA examiners concluded that the conditions are not related to his time in active duty.

The Veteran's asthma has been manifested by daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, but not FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, intermittent course of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids, or monthly care by a physician for exacerbations. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for asthma have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of pneumonia including lung disease due to lack of evidence showing chronic in-service symptoms or a relationship between current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of asbestosis that is related to service, including exposure to asbestos. The claim will be readjudicated after this additional development.