Asthma decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration due to outstanding records, including service treatment records and VA medical records. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin, lung, and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to consider an earlier effective date for the 100 percent disability rating for bronchial asthma with emphysema, and also to address a claim for a higher disability rating prior to September 19, 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a current right shoulder disability, diagnosed as old post-traumatic changes of the articular end of the clavicle with marked periarticular osteopenia, early osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, and degenerative changes, had its onset during active military service. As such, entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected asthma contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6602.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability of bronchial asthma, and the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for right shoulder disability was previously denied in 2001 and not reopened. The evidence does not show a current diagnosis of PTSD or cold asthma, nor is there any indication that the Veteran has a nervous condition.,There is no credible supporting evidence that the Veteran experienced an in-service stressor related to his claimed mustard gas exposure. Therefore, service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current asthma did not have its onset during active service and was not caused by his active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board and RO have denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart condition, folliculitis, bronchial asthma, and lumbar muscle spasms due to lack of medical evidence establishing a nexus to his period of service.

The Veteran's asthma, bronchitis, and chest injury were not service-connected as his conditions did not manifest during active duty or are otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for residuals of a right foot injury has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and asthma are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a chronic respiratory disease in service and there was no credible medical nexus relating the Veteran's current conditions to any incident during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that she meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for acute diverticulitis, COPD, and thoracic aortic aneurysm to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, were not incurred or aggravated by military service due to exposure to jet fuel and/or cold weather. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are more likely related to his long-term smoking habit.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety and depression, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, a respiratory disorder including asthma, and urethral pain. Service connection for hemorrhoids is granted with an initial rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchial asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's claimed asbestos exposure and need for a medical nexus opinion.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders are not related to his military service and thus denied service connection for these conditions. The erectile dysfunction is also found not to be caused by or aggravated by a service-connected condition.