Asthma decisions — 2017

The Veteran's cancer of the larynx and neck was not found to be related to service, while his asthma was denied an increased rating.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disability causally related to, or aggravated by, service exposure. The most probative evidence did not support a finding of asbestos exposure in service and there was no medical opinion linking any current respiratory disability to service.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to service or a service-connected disability, and the appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bronchial condition, including asthma, was aggravated by her third period of active service. The pre-existing condition was not caused or related to any period of service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for fibromyalgia, and thus the claim must be denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be rendered regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and diabetes mellitus. The case is REMANDED to obtain clarification of her periods of qualifying service, updated VA or private treatment records, and VA examinations to determine the etiology of her conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for asthma and depression are still pending.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or an earlier effective date in any of the conditions.

The Veteran's combined disability rating from September 15, 2016 is 80 percent. The competent and probative evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from September 15, 2016.

The Veteran's asthma and TDIU claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion on the functional impact of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his attorney.,The Veteran's attorney withdrew from representation and thus, all appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and chronic bronchitis with residual bronchial asthma prior to January 15, 2016 did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 30 percent. The Board also found that he was able to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of his current respiratory conditions to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea with bronchial asthma is currently rated at 50 percent, effective June 8, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, but the most probative evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed respiratory, knee, headache, eye trauma, and neck disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for asbestosis, COPD, and asthma. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD, asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his lung disabilities. His claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also being remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from March 14, 2007 to February 11, 2016 is being remanded for additional development including a VA examination and consideration of the effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.