Asthma decisions — 2017

The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for asthma, which he claims is related to his service-connected ischemic heart disease and/or due to asbestos exposure from the USS Shangri-La. He also contends that his asthma is related to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to address these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current asthma disability had its onset during active duty service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and asthma, is found to be related to his active duty service. The acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is also found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bronchial asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected asthma with history of empyema, status post thoracotomies is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments, particularly regarding his claimed low back disability, neck disability, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The asthma claim is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a personal hearing if requested by the Veteran, and completing any other necessary development.

The Veteran's claims for asthma and obstructive sleep apnea were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. The claim for diabetes mellitus, type II, was granted with a rating of 100% effective from the date of death.,The claims for neurodegenerative disease (including ALS and PSP) and PTSD/Depression were also granted with a rating of 100%, effective from the date of death.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma was not manifested by FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or at least 3 courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids from October 9, 2007. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new allegations that the Veteran's claimed disabilities may be related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcers and obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his asthma.

The Veteran's asthma with a history of bronchitis and seizure disorder are being reviewed for potential increased evaluations, and the propriety of reducing his seizure disorder evaluation is also under consideration. Additionally, the issue of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities remains before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran. As a result, no decision can be made on these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, malaria, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), bilateral tinnitus, initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen a claim of service connection for asthma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma is service-connected as it developed during his period of active duty service.

The Board found no evidence of bladder cancer, cancer of the right ear, or COPD, emphysema, and asthma being incurred in service. The Appellant's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD, is being evaluated again to determine its onset during service or its relation to service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed respiratory disorder other than asthma during his appeal period and finds no evidence of a low back disability related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition, right ankle disability, left knee disability, and lumbar spine disability were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.