Asthma decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's current asthma, right little finger disability, sinus disability, prostate disability, skin disability (other than pseudofolliculitis barbae), and tinnitus are not related to service. The Board granted service connection for tinnitus as it is reasonably shown to have begun in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to June 1, 2011 met the percentage requirements for a TDIU and her unemployability was found due to her asthma.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his knee and foot conditions, as well as asthma. The Board has remanded these matters for further action.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently denied, but service connection for asthma has been granted. The left knee disability remains at a noncompensable rating and the scars of both feet are rated as 10 percent each.

The Veteran's asthma has not manifested to the level that would warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent since February 28, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's asthma.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for bronchial asthma and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The rating for the right fourth finger has been restored to 10 percent effective January 1, 2013, and a compensable rating for umbilical hernia has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for shin splints and hyperkeratosis of the heels were denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for residuals of an allergic reaction to medication was granted, but she is still seeking service connection for her acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma and thyroid cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and confirming any exposure to asbestos or ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including bronchial asthma and COPD, is found to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is granted for PTSD, as the evidence supports a diagnosis related to combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and a VA examination. The case will be reviewed by the AOJ/AMC on the basis of the additional evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's asthma did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Veteran's other claims for service connection have not been substantiated.

The Veteran's asthma does not warrant an extraschedular rating, and his service-connected disability does not prevent him from obtaining and retaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for separate ratings for sleep apnea and bronchial asthma was denied as the disability is rated under a single diagnostic code, with no authorization for separate evaluations.

The Veteran's asthma is currently evaluated at 60 percent disabling, effective April 14, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in its dismissal.