Asthma decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, low back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disability as they were not caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's asthma was granted a 60% rating for the period from November 16, 2012 to August 20, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 40 percent for prostate cancer from December 1, 2012, to November 15, 2018, was denied. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected bronchial asthma and prostate cancer from December 1, 2012, to November 15, 2018, was granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected, but his obesity and other conditions are not.,Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) may be related to the Veteran's service, but further examination is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current asthma and his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for headaches, PTSD, asthma, COPD, sinus disability, and bronchitis. However, it was determined that these conditions are not related to active service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings, service connection claims, and a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for DM II and left eye condition, as well as several other issues related to the Veteran's disabilities. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board dismissed the appeals to reopen service connection for various conditions and denied claims of service connection due to lack of notification from the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, finding that his preexisting asthma did not worsen during service and that his emphysema is less likely related to service. The decision also noted that the Veteran's smoking history predates his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD; an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss; an initial compensable disability rating for asbestosis; and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The remand is necessary due to incomplete medical records and the need for new VA examinations.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, attributing it to a history of asthma during military service. The exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, was not considered as the primary cause.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence of worsening symptoms. The VA will obtain updated medical records, including from Vet Centers and private providers, and schedule examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Veteran's asthma claim has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed for both asthma and obstructive sleep apnea claims.

The Board has denied service connection for latent tuberculosis and remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including pneumonia, COPD, and asthma.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.,Service connection for asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and undiagnosed illness/chronic multisymptom illnesses associated with Persian Gulf service is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, including bronchitis and emphysema, attributing it to his own smoking habit rather than any in-service exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to conflicting pulmonary function test results and the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran's asthma disability remains in dispute.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reenter the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that her service-connected disabilities did not worsen to the extent that she was precluded from performing work duties or that her previously rehabilitated occupation was unsuitable.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left shoulder tendonitis was denied, but her TDIU claim was granted. The Veteran is currently employed in part-time positions and at the state fair, but her service-connected disabilities have impacted her ability to perform work-related tasks.