Asthma decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding his breathing disorder, acid reflux, joint pain, high blood pressure, and GI disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for compressed vertebra, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, hypertension, eczema, left hip condition, and TBI have been granted. The Veteran is also granted a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma, finding that there is no medical link between his current diagnosis of asthma and his military service. The evidence did not support a finding that his asthma was related to asbestos exposure during service.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability is granted.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a low back disability is granted.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a respiratory disability (claimed as asthma) is granted.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for allergies is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergies, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma including COPD, pneumonia, and prostate disorder. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and prostate cancer are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his diagnosed conditions and in-service exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a knee disorder, and PTSD due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and asthma, as well as his claims for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus, and memory problems/dizziness. The appeals were remanded.,No effective dates earlier than November 30, 2015, were granted for any of the service connection claims.

The claims for service connection for left hand arthritis, right hand arthritis, chronic asthma, and laceration of the right little finger have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims. The Veteran's PTSD claim was also denied.

The Veteran's asthma has increased in severity since the last VA examination, and a new one is needed to determine its current severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in prior VA examinations and lack of consideration of all relevant medical data.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for asthma and thyroid cancer due to insufficient discussion in previous decisions regarding exposure to lead paint and herbicides.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of death, finding that there was no credible evidence showing a chronic respiratory or cardiopulmonary condition in service and that the Veteran's fatal heart and/or respiratory conditions were not caused by any of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, left leg pain, right leg pain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there was no probative evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty training or service.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive asthma, sarcoidosis, and major depressive disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's exposure to environmental irritants during service is conceded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as the result of exposure to asbestos, has been remanded.,Claims for lower back, neck, and bilateral knee and leg disorders have also been remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability, hypertension, asthma, major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, kidney and heart disabilities (secondary to hypertension), headaches, vertigo, and temporary total rating are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examinations.,The Veteran’s hypertension is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding its onset and whether it is related to service-connected conditions. The examiner must also determine if her hypertension is aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.,The Veteran's asthma is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether she had breathing problems during service that could have led to her current condition.,The Veteran’s major depressive disorder is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding its onset and whether it is related to service-connected conditions. The examiner must also determine if her depression is aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether she had sugar in her urine during service or if her condition is aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran’s kidney and heart disabilities (secondary to hypertension) are being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding their onset and relationship to her hypertension.,The Veteran's headaches and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether they are related to her cervical spine disability. The examiner must also determine if her conditions are aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran’s temporary total rating is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding her need for convalescence following surgery.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's asthma and back disability, as there are indications these conditions may be related to service. The issues of service connection for asthma and a back disability have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further evaluation.

The claims of service connection for asthma, anemia, and left leg shin splints have all been denied. The Veteran's asthma was not incurred in service or related to a service-connected condition. Her anemia is not linked to her military service. Shin splints are not considered service connected.