Asthma decisions — 2014

The Veteran's chronic pulmonary disorder, including asthma, did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory disorder (claimed as COPD and asthma), or a lumbar spine disability (residuals of a lumbar laminectomy).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further examination regarding National Guard service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was granted. The claims for service connection for aggravated asthma, a right ankle disability associated with a scar, and a low back disability were denied due to lack of evidence. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and aggravated asthma.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected sarcoidosis with bronchial asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for asthma with obstructive sleep apnea and a lumbar muscle strain, as well as his claim for service connection for a right knee disability, have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these issues.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and low back strain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for asthma has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal concerning sinusitis, asthma, and Barrett's esophagus with hiatal hernia and GERD is dismissed. The claim of service connection for COPD is reopened and granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to include adjudicating the issues on a de novo basis, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing clarifying opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's asthma and his back, bilateral knee, left hip, and left leg disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of evidence, including pulmonary tests and a pulmonologist's opinion regarding the relationship between any extant pulmonary disorder and service. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond after the additional development is completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the service connection claims for various conditions, including eczema, ruptured left ovarian cyst, diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), headaches, menstrual irregularities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran’s service-connected bronchial asthma/COPD contributed to his death from esophageal cancer.

The Veteran's claims were denied, with the exception of his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The remaining claims were either not granted or are pending further review.

The Veteran's asthma has been rated at 30 percent since July 2004 and remains at that level. He is now entitled to a compensable rating for the period of October 19, 2009 to February 13, 2013.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected psychophysiological reaction of the respiratory system with bronchial asthma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including a pulmonary disability and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a low back disability, left hip disability, or sleep apnea. The claims for service connection for these conditions are therefore denied.