Asthma decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lung disability, specifically asthma and COPD, is being remanded for further examination as the previous VA opinions did not consider his probable asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between his in-service symptoms and current condition.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that the Veteran's asthma did not preexist service and was not causally related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding the recoupment of separation pay for various disabilities, finding that VA was required to withhold this amount from his disability compensation benefits as per law.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, finding that the Veteran's asthma did not begin during active service and is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of bronchial asthma prior to January 26, 2012 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter is remanded. The Veteran also has claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, intermittent explosive disorder) and residuals of a left shoulder injury which are also remanded.,The Veteran's current bronchial asthma rating remains at 30 percent since January 26, 2012.

The Veteran's asthma has been remanded for a new examination to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's asthma claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his Department of Labor and Office of Personnel Management records.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma and COPD with history of pneumonia and bronchitis rated at 60 percent is not sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as his disability does not render him incapable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding of exposure to toxic materials during military service, which may be related to his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for neuropathy of the right upper extremity, a pulmonary disorder including lung cysts and asthma, hypertension, and memory loss due to potential issues with the evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to incomplete documentation and the need for VA examinations to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's eczema is granted as service-connected, and the claim for asthma is denied. The claims of hammertoes, circulatory disorder of the left lower extremity, and circulatory disorder of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the previous opinion regarding the pre-existence of bronchiectasis and asthma during service. The Veteran's lung disorder needs further examination and an addendum opinion is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD/depressive disorder, asthma, tinnitus, and chronic pain related to his service connected injuries.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for asthma has been granted. The claims of service connection for both asthma and pulmonary fibrosis have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a current diagnosis and an opinion regarding the relationship between service, including Gulf War exposure, and any respiratory disability, including asthma. The Veteran's contentions of undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi symptom illness are also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is of service origin and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition. The remaining issues are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for reactive airway disease (asthma) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the conditions are related to exposure to burn pits during service.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for COPD with history of asthma and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded as the VA treatment records need to be obtained, and he needs to undergo a VA examination.