Asthma decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and requests for another opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's pulmonary disorders, including pleural plaques and asbestosis. The issues are service connection for a pulmonary disorder and asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and cough-variant asthma have been granted a compensable rating of 10 percent. The Board denied the claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are remanded due to the need for additional medical records, social security administration (SSA) records, and VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukopenia has been denied as it is not a disability for which VA benefits can be awarded.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's mild persistent asthma was evaluated at a 30 percent rating based on the results of his pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he did not require systemic corticosteroids, had FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC above 40 to 55 percent predicted, and did not have more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure or required daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immune suppressive medications.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, effective August 20, 2014. However, the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were dismissed.,SMC at housebound rate is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria with his current service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's asthma was granted an increased rating to 30 percent, but no higher. Service connection for OSA and GERD were denied. The issue of service connection for fibromyalgia is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for updated VA examination. The Veteran's bronchial asthma disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but he contends it should be higher.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is granted a 60 percent rating, effective December 28, 2012. The right knee meniscal tear is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU effective May 31, 2006. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding effective dates and whether new evidence supports reopening a claim of service connection for respiratory disabilities. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and a respiratory disorder other than asthma, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions were not aggravated by service and there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hands, and feet. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities is also service connected as secondary to the service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. Service connection was denied for rheumatoid arthritis and a respiratory disorder (COPD and asthma).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, COPD, and bronchitis due to a lack of STRs. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other issues.

The Veteran's right knee strain is not found to be related to her service-connected left hip bursitis and is denied.,The Veteran's migraines are not found to be related to her service-connected asthma or asthma medications and are denied.

The appeal to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of viral hepatitis is granted. The claims for service connection for a left knee condition, respiratory condition (claimed as asthma), sinusitis, and right eye injury are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of fractured left tibia was denied, and his TDIU prior to December 3, 2013, was also denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU since August 11, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back condition, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension due to inadequate nexus opinions provided by the VA examiner in July 2018.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for asthma due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's contention that his pre-existing asthma was aggravated by prolonged exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes and diesel fuel fumes during active duty and ACDUTRA. The case is being sent back for an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for service-connected asthma, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.