Asthma decisions — 2014

The Veteran's asthma was rated at 30 percent from November 8, 2006 to May 11, 2009. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's disability warrants a 30 percent initial evaluation for restrictive lung disease with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, status-post right pleurodesis and empyema and asthma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder incurred in or related to service.,The Veteran's tinnitus is also not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma, which was rated at 100 percent disabling, is considered a contributory cause of his death due to myocardial infarction resulting from ischemic heart disease.

The appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA records, inadequate examination reports, and newly associated private treatment records.

The Veteran's asthma has been rated at 60 percent since the appeal period began, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC values.

The Board has decided to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for asthma, but further development is needed as a remand is required due to the need for an examination and medical nexus opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung disability, including asthma, is likely related to his active service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for asthma, shortness of breath and chest pain; right knee disorder; and left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and emphysema, secondary to asbestos exposure is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 10, 2009 for the assignment of a 60 percent rating for bronchial asthma with COPD and emphysema was denied as there is no evidence showing he met the criteria for a 60 percent rating prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service in Vietnam and a VA examination to assess the Veteran's respiratory condition and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is found to be service-connected, and the claim for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional private treatment records. The examiner will determine if GERD had its onset during service, was caused by service, or was aggravated by his service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board has ordered a new VA respiratory examination to address the Veteran's contentions of in-service exposure to exhaust fumes and its impact on his breathing issues. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's asbestosis, COPD, and asthma are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service asbestos exposure or any other form of exposure that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has not decided the service connection claims, but has ordered additional development to obtain missing records and medical evidence.

From September 28, 2004 to November 18, 2013, the Veteran's asthma with pleural plaquing and COPD was rated at 10 percent.,Beginning November 19, 2013, the Veteran's asthma with pleural plaquing and COPD warrants a rating of 30 percent.