Asthma decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with history of cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, lung disorder (bronchitis and asthma), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal was denied on all issues related to his service-connected conditions, with no new evidence provided that would warrant reopening the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding whether asthma is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as asthma, is related to active service and grants service connection for this condition. The right ankle disability issue remains pending due to a lack of a Statement of the Case.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for asthma. However, the Board finds that there is no persuasive evidence associating the current asthma with his period of active military service.