Asthma decisions — 2016

The Veteran's exercise-induced asthma was found to have been incurred during his period of active service, with the Board resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's gout was rated at 60 percent effective July 16, 2015. The Board found that the criteria for a 60 percent rating were met as of July 15, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder, to include asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, that is due to service. The preponderance of evidence is against finding any such connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis is related to his active service and grants this claim. The issues of asthma and right shoulder condition are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for asthma is granted as the evidence is in equipoise that his recurrent asthma originated during active service.

The Veteran's PTSD, to include as due to MST, was found to be incurred in service and granted. The claim for residuals of pneumonia, claimed as asthma, is considered 'unknown' as it does not involve a determination on service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD is related to insecticide exposure in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids were evaluated. The asthma was rated at 30 percent since March 25, 2013; the hearing loss was not compensable prior to October 16, 2014, and the hemorrhoids were rated at 10 percent after that date.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to care for herself without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including asthma and asthmatic bronchitis, are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bronchial asthma, but determined that the effective date should be October 27, 2009, which is when the Veteran submitted a claim to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his respiratory disorders and to obtain a VA examination regarding his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and bronchitis, which he attributes to in-service asbestos exposure and/or herbicide exposure. The VA examiner found the Veteran's current respiratory disorders less likely related to service due to lack of asbestos exposure. However, additional medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of his diagnosed respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed pulmonary disabilities, including sarcoidosis, asthma, and sleep apnea, were not incurred in service or due to exposure to hazardous environmental conditions during the Persian Gulf War. The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain updated medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations. The Board will consider all evidence and legal criteria, including those set forth at 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3), before making a final determination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA outpatient treatment records. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical records, review the Veteran's service treatment records for any notation of asthma at entry into service, and schedule an appropriate VA examination to determine if his respiratory condition is related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension and cerebrovascular accident with hemiparesis of the left upper and lower extremities are found to be related to his service-connected disabilities. The respiratory disorder is not linked to asbestos exposure or other toxic chemicals in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, asbestosis, asthma, and chronic headaches have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for a pre-existing condition (childhood asthma) that was aggravated by service.