Asthma decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for TDIU, PTSD rating increase, and lumbar spine disability were dismissed. The Board found no evidence of aggravation of the pre-existing asthma during service or any other respiratory disease that began during service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition including asthma due to asbestos and/or smoke exposures, finding that his current diagnosis of a lung condition began during service or is related to these exposures.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tendonitis/bursitis of the left shoulder was dismissed. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory condition (claimed as asthma and bronchitis), and GERD were remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's asthma is related to his exposure to burn pits during service. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea remains pending and requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's service connection claims, including for her respiratory disability (asthma and lung nodules), neck disability, low back disability, and muscle/joint disorder. The Board also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for sinusitis, headaches, and PTSD.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative joint disease of the right knee, is granted as service-connected. Other conditions are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or secondary to his service-connected asthma, PTSD, and/or allergic rhinitis. A new examination is needed.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his respiratory conditions, including COPD and its secondary effects. The appeal will be remanded to allow for additional evidence collection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right ankle disorders, foot disorders, asthma (respiratory disorder), right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, left-hand disorder, right-hand disorder, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen her previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for right ankle disability, allergies, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for chronic sinus infections was denied as there is no current evidence of a disability. Service connection for asthma and sleep apnea were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and respiratory disorder (asthma) due to new evidence indicating current disability by VA standards.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is rated at 70 percent, effective June 21, 2013. The Veteran also has a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's asthma and encephalitis claims are remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's asthma, emphysema and COPD were not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board found no evidence of asbestos exposure causing these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for fractures of the right long finger, left index finger, left long finger, left ring finger, and left little finger. Service connection was granted for a right ankle disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling from January 28, 2010. The lumbosacral strain is rated at 100 percent disabling from the same date. Effective January 28, 2010, the Veteran also receives a 100 percent rating for his service-connected PTSD and SMC based on housebound.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for tinnitus and hearing loss, but TDIU from April 1, 2011 to April 12, 2012 is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head trauma/TBI and C6-C7 extruded and herniated disc are denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than December 10, 2010 for the grant of service connection for asthma and hypothyroidism with secondary vitamin B12 deficiency were denied as there was no evidence to support such a claim prior to that date.