Asthma decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lung/respiratory disorders, including asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease, are granted as service-connected due to exposure to burn pits during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance because there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him bedridden or helpless to the extent he needed regular assistance.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for a lung condition, including shortness of breath, related to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's asthma and other lung conditions are being reviewed by a pulmonologist.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's back disability is related to service, but his respiratory disabilities are not.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records and exposure information. The Board will schedule medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's asthma rating is remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension, asthma, right and left knee disabilities, and leg scars are not service-connected as they did not develop during or as a result of his military service.,Service connection for the Veteran’s claimed conditions is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disorder (including asthma and COPD) and a heart disorder (including congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient response from the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's upper respiratory disease, including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, interstitial lung disease, and eosinophilia. The Veteran is asked to provide additional evidence or information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's OSA was not incurred in service and the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that it is related to his service. The stomach disability has also not been shown to be related to service.,Service connection for a stomach disability, including as secondary to OSA, is denied because there is no service-connected condition from which the stomach disability could be considered secondary. Service connection for a respiratory disorder (including asthma) is remanded due to incomplete development of exposure history and need for an opinion on etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected asthmatic bronchitis and COPD did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to February 8, 2017. After February 9, 2017, when he was granted a total disability rating with special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate due to his prostate cancer and lung cancer, the matter of TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of his hypertension, sleep apnea, asthma, and hypothyroidism with morbid obesity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD/asthma, OSA, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and remanded the issue of irritable colon syndrome. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (denied) while others are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for various respiratory disabilities, including COPD and pneumonia. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos, herbicide agents, dust, and lead-based paint is conceded.

The Veteran's asthma, IBS, and acid reflux disabilities are granted as service-connected.,A rating of 30% for tension headaches is granted effective September 1, 2011 through March 21, 2017. A rating of 50% for tension headaches is granted effective March 22, 2017 and thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records from the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs and the Office of Personnel Management. The Veteran is required to complete forms for these requests.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA opinions and requests that the Veteran complete a new VA Form 21-8940. Additional medical opinion is needed regarding the functional effect of the Veteran's migraine headaches on her employment, as well as the combined effect of all service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted, with a rating of 60 percent prior to June 6, 2016.,Service connection for asthma is denied. The claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for bilateral bunions is denied. The claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's tinea cruris is granted with a 60 percent rating, but only prior to June 6, 2016. After that date, the condition required constant or near-constant systemic therapy.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.