Asthma decisions — 2016

The Veteran's asthma, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were all found to be service-connected. His claim for a higher rating for his amputation of the right ring and little finger with ankylosis of the right middle finger was dismissed as he withdrew it during his October 2015 Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for asthma, which was previously denied in March 1975. The Veteran's current respiratory condition is presumed to have begun during service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was manifested by forward flexion greater than 30 degrees and combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees. The effective date for the award of service connection is assigned from September 15, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly death pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, as her medical evidence shows she is able to care for herself without assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and sleep apnea, with the latter being secondary to the Veteran's service-connected asthma.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to toxic herbicides and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for rhinitis and 30 percent for asthma prior to December 23, 2014. The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected asthma met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of prostate cancer, a respiratory condition (to include asthma), and COPD to include as due to arsenic exposure. The Veteran's claims are denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule VA examinations and obtain additional medical records. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for asthma, left ankle sprain, and right ankle sprain are pending.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's asthma is related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for asthma.

The Board is remanding the case for a supplemental VA examination and medical opinion to address whether any current respiratory disability, including emphysema or asthma, is related to service. The Veteran's August 1968 episode of acute bronchitis during service is noted in the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate VA examination and failure to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, strep throat, right knee cyst, left inguinal hernia, chronic right foot disorder (gout or bunion), and chronic left foot disorder (gout or bunion) as well as respiratory disorders. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her bronchial asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bronchial asthma is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and additional records. The case will be adjudicated again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no competent evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew her claims for increased initial ratings for asthma and hemorrhagic follicular cyst.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for hyperreactive airway/asthma with allergic rhinitis and granted it. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found not related to his military service, but a VA examination is needed to address this issue further. The high cholesterol claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, claimed as emphysema and diagnosed as COPD and asthma. The Veteran's separation physical examination did not document any complaints or observed symptoms related to these disorders.,The Board also denied service connection for right lung pain (claimed as right subcostal pain, costochondral). There is no evidence of such a condition in service or within one year after service.,Service connection was denied for halitosis. The Veteran's first indication of this disorder was not until 2003.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, encompassing his previously service-connected chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and allergic bronchospasms. Separate ratings for these conditions are not warranted as they are rated under a single 50 percent disability rating.