Asthma decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected bronchial asthma and hepatitis C, TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, and SMC based on housebound status from August 1, 2009. Additional development is required in each case.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on his current symptoms.

The Board denied reopening of the claims for service connection for right knee and right hip disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence demonstrating that preexisting conditions were aggravated by active service.,The Veteran's current left knee disability was not continuous or recurrent in service, nor is there a medical nexus between it and active service.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, manifested by asthma and/or bronchitis, is as likely as not related to service. The Board finds the evidence in equipoise regarding whether the current respiratory disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension and a respiratory disability (asthma) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The issues of entitlement to service connection are related to chemical exposure during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma is currently rated at 60 percent disabling. The Board finds that the current rating adequately compensates his disability, but grants a TDIU based on his inability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder NOS), and respiratory disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as the preponderance of the evidence showed that the current disabilities were not manifest in service or related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD. The remand requires obtaining information about hazardous chemicals the Veteran may have been exposed to during active service and providing legible copies of his service personnel records. A medical opinion is also needed regarding the nature and etiology of his respiratory condition.

The Board has denied service connection for a lung condition including asthma and an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claims.

The Board has decided that additional evidence should be considered to determine if the Veteran's claims for service connection are valid, as some of his conditions were not properly addressed in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and review, including service connection claims and an earlier effective date claim. The Veteran's appeal includes multiple service connection claims and one related to the effective date of additional compensation based on having a dependent spouse.

The Veteran's asbestosis with asthma is rated at 30 percent prior to June 5, 2015 and denied for a higher rating thereafter. The case is remanded for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for sinusitis and asthma, but has remanded the issues of service connection for GERD, IBS, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's disabilities were permanently aggravated by his service-connected right leg deep vein thrombosis and left leg deep vein thrombosis. Additional examinations are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective August 19, 2004.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including hay fever and asthma. The Board has determined that the remand instructions have not been fully complied with and requires another examination to address the preexisting condition allegations.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for asthma due to tuberculosis in service or as secondary to granulomatous disease. The Veteran's appeal is pending and will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea with asthma and migraine headaches are currently rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations. The knee disabilities have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, finding that the conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and evidence collection. The issues are related to his service-connected bronchial asthma and a claimed bilateral hearing loss.