Asthma decisions — 2018

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective March 20, 2006. The effective date of November 10, 2004 is granted as the date VA received his informal TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, specifically asthma and sarcoidosis. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's exercise-induced asthma is at least as likely as not incurred during her active duty training (ACDUTRA) service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that TDIU is granted from April 17, 2012 to May 13, 2013, and from September 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of the record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for asthma and COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are REMANDED due to the need for additional development and examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury, dental trauma, asthma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's thyroid cancer and asthmatic bronchitis are not service connected, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the conditions do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicides, ionizing radiation, or asbestos.

The Veteran's service-connected epigastric abdominal disability is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent, and his psychiatric disability (including depression) and respiratory disability (including asthma) are found to be secondary to this condition. The cardiac disability has not been addressed in detail as it was not included in the issues presented.

The Veteran's asthma was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to October 24, 2017. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran has current diagnoses of asthma and bronchitis. His service treatment records show he had respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma during his military service. The VA examiner diagnosed him with asthma and bronchitis. He clearly entered service with these conditions, but the preexisting condition was not aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's asthma has worsened and he is seeking a higher rating. His TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma and acid reflux/GERD are related to her military service, and thus grants service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, a heart disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's asthma with sleep apnea warrants a 60 percent rating, effective from October 28, 2011. The Veteran also requires SMC at the rate based on need for aid and attendance due to higher level of care.

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's GERD and service, including exposure to environmental hazards. Service treatment records are silent for complaints or diagnoses related to GERD.,Service treatment records do not show asthma during service. The Veteran was diagnosed with mild asthma in November 1998 after separation from service. There is no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's current asthma and service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original ratings for asthma and GERD, as well as his TDIU award. The reductions in rating were found to be improper due to a lack of consideration of relevant regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax with asthma and bronchitis was rated as 30 percent disabling from December 19, 2011 onward. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to December 19, 2011 due to asymptomatic condition and normal PFT results.