Asthma decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma was not noted on his entrance examination and is presumed to have pre-existed service. The claim will be remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma has been rated at 30 percent from July 22, 2013 to August 15, 2014. The Board found that the evidence showed consistent asthmatic symptoms prior to this date and granted a higher rating.

The Veteran's mild lumbar spine facet osteoarthritis and breathing disorder (claimed as asthma) were not incurred or aggravated by service.,Service connection was denied for both conditions.

The Board has decided that it cannot make a fully-informed decision on the issue of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the service-connected asthma because the August 2014 VA examiner did not address whether the Veteran's asthma aggravates his sleep apnea. The case is being remanded for an addendum medical opinion from the same or another appropriate expert.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to address the etiology of her musculoskeletal pain, cervical spine disability, respiratory conditions, sleep disorder, and gastrointestinal disorders. The issues are currently on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for bronchial asthma and TDIU due to incomplete development, including a request for Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's asthma has required daily use of inhalation or oral bronchodilator therapy or inhalation anti-inflammatory medication throughout the entire appellate period, warranting a 30 percent rating. The claim is remanded for further development to determine if higher ratings are warranted based on systemic corticosteroid use.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected asthma, left great toe disability, and chronic gastritis. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for left foot scar and inguinal scars are set at June 18, 2012. A higher rating is granted for left great toe MP joint arthrodesis with early arthritic changes and bronchial asthma.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchial asthma is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and consideration of relevant SSA records. The issue of TDIU has also been referred back to the RO.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, asthma, and colorectal cancer (previously claimed as colon cancer), but these claims are remanded due to outstanding medical records and a need for additional examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the left ankle disorder and increased disability ratings for various knee, hand, and knee conditions, as well as asthma and PTSD with alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's asthma, low back disability, and PTSD are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and continuity of the Veteran's lung disability, including asthma, which may have existed before service or developed during service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant records and provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's current lung disability.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck condition and remanded the issues of service connection for knee, gastritis, sinusitis, and pulmonary condition (to include asthma).

The Veteran's hearing loss is granted as service connected. The remaining issues of service connection for psychiatric disorders, asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, and bilateral foot disabilities are remanded due to lack of a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, hypertension, ED, right ear hearing loss disability, and allergic rhinitis have been granted. The effective dates for these grants are not earlier than March 13, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability has been denied. His claim for OSA is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding service records. The claims will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for laryngomalacia and functional abdominal pain syndrome due to unresolved issues related to their service connection.

The Veteran's VA disability benefits were reduced due to the recoupment of her separation pay. The appeal is denied as the law requires the recouping of separation pay from VA disability compensation.

The Board has denied service connection for respiratory disorder (including asthma) and sleep apnea, finding no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service. The case is remanded for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to March 15, 2019.