Asthma decisions — 2016

The Board denied service connection for asthma and COPD, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim was based on direct service connection due to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims, including exposure to asbestos and contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune, as well as a formal finding regarding such exposures. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and asthma is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus contributed substantially and materially to his cause of death, which was terminal gastric cancer. The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether this condition proximately caused or aggravated the Veteran's fatal gastric cancer.

The Veteran's reactive airway disease, to include asthma and bronchitis, was rated at 30 percent prior to April 1, 2013. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for sleep apnea and asthma was denied, as the evidence did not show that his condition required chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied, as he is able to engage in substantially gainful sedentary employment despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and right axilla phlebitis are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities during the period of the claim.

The Veteran's respiratory and right ankle disabilities are not service-connected.,The Veteran's current right ankle disability is not related to her service-connected left knee or left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-operative degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and asthma, prevent her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to address his claims, including verification of stressor events in service and examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for respiratory disorders, including mild obstructive lung disease, asthma, bronchitis, and reactive airway disease. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities, including asthma and COPD, are not service-connected as they pre-existed service and were not aggravated by service. The COPD is more likely due to cigarette smoking than service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been granted. He is now in receipt of a compensable evaluation for his varicose veins, an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his right thigh scar, and secondary service connection for his heart disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma and tinnitus are etiologically related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for asthma and remanded it for further development. The Veteran's current asthma is more likely than not incurred or aggravated during her military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain the appellant's service treatment records and to provide her with a VA examination regarding her hip disabilities and asthma. The case will be returned for readjudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found that the previously denied claims had not been final, and recharacterized them as new and material issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disorder are not related to his military service. The psychiatric disorder is also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal of his claim for service connection for asthma, also claimed as restrictive lung disease with upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. The issue of bilateral pes planus is being remanded.