Asthma decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and a pulmonary disorder including asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity amputations and prostate cancer, cause him to require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, which he claims is related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his active duty. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records, obtaining vocational rehabilitation records, and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran has a current diagnosis of asthma and contends that it is related to his service-connected right spontaneous pneumothorax. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's asthma is secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a pre-service diagnosis or an increase in severity during service. The appeal was also found to be untimely.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to insufficient evidence regarding his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, specifically whether it is secondary to his service-connected asthma. The Veteran and his wife provided testimony about their observations of the Veteran's symptoms during active duty, but a VA examination is needed to address these issues.

The Board found no causal connection between the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthmatic bronchitis, and his active service.

The Veteran's asthma was previously rated at 30% and later increased to 60%. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current level of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification and treatment records, including recent VA treatment records. The case will be re-adjudicated after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory/pulmonary disorder, to include COPD and asthma, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining his service personnel file, arranging a new VA examination, and obtaining any additional private treatment records.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran currently experiences asthma that is related to active service. The Veteran contends that his current asthma was caused or contributed to by exposure to black mold while he was on active duty at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The April 1974 decision earlier considering and denying this claim of entitlement to service connection for asthma is a final and binding determination based on the evidence then of record, and there is not new and material evidence since that decision to reopen this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to notify him of his scheduled hearing, and he failed to report. The case will be returned for a rescheduled hearing in Atlanta.

The reduction of the disability rating for service-connected asthma from 60 percent to 30 percent, effective June 1, 2010 is void ab initio and the original 60 percent rating is restored.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed sarcoidosis and asthma did not begin during, or for several years after, his active duty service, and were not otherwise related to his service, including his exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the issues regarding asthma, Achilles tendon rupture residuals, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, right (major) shoulder dislocation, postoperative with residual scar, left knee effusion, postoperative, and insomnia.

The Veteran's asthma claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining her complete service records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of her condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a travel Board hearing to be conducted in Marion, Illinois. The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and back disorder are pending. Additionally, his claims regarding bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as residuals of a head injury have been reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address whether the Veteran's current asthma is caused or aggravated by service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with new examinations.