Asthma decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and/or as due to an undiagnosed illness, is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's asthma has not been manifested by findings of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV-1) of less than 66 percent or Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) of less than 78 percent; it has not required at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations or at least three per year courses of systemic corticosteroids. Therefore, the Veteran's asthma does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for further development. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include patellar femoral syndrome of the right knee, asthma, and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection for sarcoidosis and endometriosis established. The Veteran received a 60 percent evaluation for sarcoidosis and the TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has determined that separate disability ratings for the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and asthma are not warranted as they are both rated under DCs 6847 and 6602, respectively. The criteria do not permit the assignment of separate disability ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional VCAA notice. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any missing records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate VA examination and for obtaining additional medical records. The appellant's need for aid and attendance is being evaluated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bronchitis had its onset in service and is related to his in-service condition, thus granting service connection for bronchitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service, including exposure in the Gulf War theater. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma is not related to his service, including any exposure to tuberculosis (TB). The claim for service connection for asthma is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder other than COPD, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The appeal will now be considered on its merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma, bronchospasm, and moderate obstructive lung disease, is etiologically related to active service due to significant petrochemical exposure during her tours of duty in Iraq.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bronchial asthma and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and SSA records, as well as develop the issue of asbestos exposure. The Board will also schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine if his respiratory disorders and psychiatric disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is not service-connected as it did not manifest during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service. The VA examiner found that the current right knee disorder is unrelated to service.,Asthma was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is unrelated to service or to a disease or injury of service origin.

The Veteran's asthma has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating, which is the maximum available under VA regulations. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for asthmatic bronchitis or asthma, as there is no credible evidence showing such conditions began during active duty and are otherwise related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disorders, asthma, and COPD.