Asthma decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including asbestosis and asthma, due to asbestos or herbicide exposure. The Veteran's post-service private treatment records show he was diagnosed with probable asbestosis in 2006 and mild asthma in 2009. VA examinations have been conducted but another examination is required given the Veteran's assertion of no post-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory condition including asthma, and sleep apnea for further development. The Veteran's VA treatment records from 2004 onwards need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hay fever and asthma have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current breathing disabilities, including obstructive ventilatory disease and asthma, are related to his military service, specifically his exposure to asbestos while serving as a boiler technician.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis and allergies), and asthma. The remaining issues of service connection for various knee disabilities, hip disabilities, a left knee scar, arthritis with painful joints, gout, bladder cancer, prostate disability, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension are REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, hearing loss, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left arm numbness, and headaches do not meet the criteria for service connection. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various gastrointestinal and skin conditions due to a lack of medical examination, as well as exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's low back disability, including DDD and HNP, is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service or due to a disease or injury in service.,Her bilateral hip disability, including GT bursitis, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,The Veteran's bilateral dry eye condition (DES and conjunctivitis) is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Genital herpes is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her gynecological disability, including uterine fibroids, bilateral ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, dysmenorrhea and post-partner infection, is not service-connected as she was not diagnosed with this condition until after separation from service.,Her psychiatric disorder (PTSD due to MST and depressive disorder) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her headache disorder is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.,Her respiratory condition (asthma and left hilar lymphadenopathy) is not service-connected as there is no evidence of such condition during her period of active duty or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lung disorder, including bronchitis and asthma, secondary to herbicide exposure and solvent use, is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence since the last decision.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is not rated higher than noncompensable, as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because his combined disability evaluation (60%) does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for asthma because no new and material evidence was submitted, despite additional medical records and testimony.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions regarding his respiratory disorder and bilateral foot disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability and respiratory disability (asthma), finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a nexus between service and current hearing loss.,The Veteran's tinnitus is denied as there is no current diagnosis of tinnitus in the medical records.,The Veteran's asthma is denied as there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Female reproductive system cancer (fallopian tube cancer and hysterectomy) is remanded for a determination on whether it is related to herbicide exposure.,Residuals of breast cancer are also remanded for a determination on whether they are related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and diabetes mellitus II have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or that the conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for asthma due to alleged exposure to 'other toxins' at Fort McClellan, Alabama. The Veteran is asked to provide details about these exposures and a VA examination will be conducted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, COPD, and asthma should be remanded to allow for further development of the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of pneumonia are being remanded for further evaluation, as well as a determination on his claim for TDIU benefits.

The claims to reopen the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including right ankle arthritis, back disability, bilateral lower extremity pain and swelling, left foot drop/abnormal gait, cervical spine/neck disability, residuals of a tibia fracture, right ear hearing loss, allergic condition, asthma, dermatitis (swelling of the groin area), and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) are granted. Service connection is established for these conditions based on their direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation due to his disability rating and other service-connected conditions.