Asthma decisions — 2018

The Veteran is requesting an increase in special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person. The case has been remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, a new examination to determine his need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, and further development as needed.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, hypertriglyceridemia, asthma, and COPD have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or etiological link to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and its potential impact on his asthma.

The Board has denied reopening of service connection for a right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and asthma due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's claim for left wrist disorder is not substantiated by the available evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records from 1992 to 2002. The appeal will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board denied service connection for bronchial asthma and found that the schedular rating criteria adequately describe and contemplate the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The claim was not referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma did not have onset during active service and is not otherwise related to any incident of active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began, and there is no evidence of total social or occupational impairment.,The Veteran was not found to be unemployable prior to September 9, 2015. She had full-time employment with Alpha Plastics until her assignment ended.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disabilities were not incurred in or related to service, nor are they secondary to his service-connected costochondritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his TDIU claim is granted effective October 2, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, sleep apnea disorder, and positive TB test. The Veteran's asthma was diagnosed in service and continues to be treated post-service. Her sleep apnea disorder is linked to her period of service based on symptoms reported during service and a subsequent sleep study. However, the positive TB test alone does not constitute a disability for which VA compensation benefits may be awarded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations. The issues include service connection for exercise-induced asthma, increased disability ratings for right shoulder rotator cuff tear, uterine fibroids with menorrhagia, umbilical hernia repair, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues on appeal, including the claims of service connection for sarcoidosis, hypertension, asthma, and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD related to military sexual trauma, chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected bronchial asthma and a rating in excess of 30 percent for his bronchial asthma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, which he claims is related to his in-service pneumonia, was not incurred during service and is not caused by or a result of an in-service injury or illness. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's asthma has worsened since his last VA examination in November 2012, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected bronchitis with hilar adenopathy (asthma).

The Veteran's asthma is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and pulmonary sarcoidosis, is being evaluated in light of her service treatment records and assertions.