Asthma decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a currently diagnosed cervical spine, heart, or headache disability. The Veteran's asthma was not evaluated for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current mental condition related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of asthma is being remanded as it requires additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found no evidence of limitation of motion or pain to shoulder level, warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is due to his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 60 percent initial disability rating for bronchial asthma with emphysema from January 28, 1982 until June 20, 2000 and then grants a 100 percent total disability rating from June 21, 2000. The issues of higher initial disability rating for allergic rhinitis in excess of 10 percent and entitlement to TDIU are addressed.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent prior to September 6, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating as it shows daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy but no other criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, keratoconus, and exercise induced asthma are all rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected asthma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and outstanding records, including those from a private clinic where the Veteran received treatment for respiratory complaints since 1981. The Veteran's asthma is being evaluated again by a pulmonologist to determine its likely etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, including asthmatic bronchitis/asthma, is attributable to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, including asthma, obstructive chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The bilateral hearing loss disability did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the case needs to be remanded for additional development, including a VA medical examination by a pulmonary specialist and consideration of the claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board denied service connection for bronchial asthma, finding no credible evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through her representative, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's application for a clothing allowance was not reviewed by the Under Secretary for Health or a designee, and thus the claim is being remanded to ensure proper review.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service exposure to diesel fumes and asbestos. The AOJ will also attempt to obtain relevant medical records from the Veteran.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, left foot and toe disorders, right knee disorder, and asthma are at least as likely as not related to her active duty service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lung disability, including asthma and COPD. The VA examiner did not consider the in-service diagnosis of asthma, so the claim must be remanded to provide a new examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder renders him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, while his asthma alone does not. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his anxiety disorder from July 14, 2008.