Asthma decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bilateral ear disorder and asthma are not shown to be related to his service, but the skin lesions on his thighs are aggravated by treatment for a service-connected low back disability.,Service connection is denied for a chronic respiratory disorder (asthma) and a bilateral ear disorder (otitis media and otitis externa), as there is no evidence of current disabilities. However, the Veteran's skin lesions affecting his thighs are found to be aggravated by his service-connected low back condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bronchial asthma and maxillary sinusitis, have resulted in a combined disability evaluation of 70 percent from October 25, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU for the period on and after October 25, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bronchial asthma is a continuation of symptoms she experienced during her first period of active duty, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lower back disorder, chronic rhinitis, trigeminal neuralgia, ear disorder (otitis), and respiratory disorder (asthma) are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection were denied. The appeal is currently pending as the RO has granted a higher rating for her residuals of hysterectomy for fibroid uterus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and asthma due to incomplete examination reports and lack of consideration of certain evidence. The AOJ must ensure that all opinions comply with this request and any additional notification or development deemed warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and COPD, finding no current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II. The issues of asthma and COPD are being remanded to the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired respiratory disability was not present in service or until many years thereafter, is not related to service, and was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The VA examiner opined that these conditions are more likely due to decades-long heavy cigarette use rather than active duty service.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of a relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory disability other than asthma and his active duty military service, to include as a residual of exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's small airway disease (claimed as bronchitis or asthma) does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6600. The Board finds that his pre-bronchodilator FEV-1 of 88% is within normal limits, and there is no evidence of asthma at any time during the pendency of this claim.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable colon syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity have been withdrawn by the authorized representative. The claims of increased ratings for residuals of a right index finger disability, GERD, fibromyalgia, non-cardiac chest pain due to undiagnosed illness, rhinitis with sinusitis, skin disorder (including tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and psuedofolliculitis barbae), and onychomycosis of the toenails have been granted. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and asthma) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's asthma and bilateral knee disability claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his lung disabilities, which he claims are due to exposure to aviation fuel in service. The VA examiner will determine if these conditions are more likely than not caused by the claimed exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic airway disease, claimed as asthma. The decision is now vacated due to an error in identifying the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchial asthma and bilateral ethmoidal and frontal sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's asthma has been managed with daily inhalational therapy and occasional oral corticosteroids, but does not require monthly physician visits or at least three courses of systemic corticosteroids per year. The current disability rating for bronchial asthma is appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD and bronchial asthma. The examiner must assume that the Veteran's preexisting respiratory condition was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify.