Asthma decisions — 2020

The Veteran's other specified bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD are granted service connection. A higher rating of 70 percent is granted for PTSD. Service connection for COPD, asthma, hypertension, lumbar spine disability, and right arm disability is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities of major depressive disorder, asthma and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

The Veteran's chronic asthma has been granted a rating of 30 percent, effective August 14, 2007. The Veteran also received an effective date for service connection of her chronic asthma on the same day.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disability and a respiratory/lung disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a sleep study and an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected asthma and/or major depressive disorder aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and the need for further examination or opinion.

The Board granted service connection for an anxiety disorder, asthma, and migraine headaches with specific ratings and effective dates. The appellant is entitled to additional attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded from November 13, 2018 through January 28, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the lack of a VA examination addressing the relationship between his immune, joint, sinus, pulmonary, psychiatric, and hypertension disabilities and active service. The Veteran is also required to provide information about any private healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of COPD, asbestosis, and bronchial asthma due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and asthma, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's HIV/AIDS claim has been granted, and he is now receiving a 60 percent rating for his hepatitis C.,His asthma claim was remanded, and his TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD, are being evaluated again by a pulmonologist.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's claims: initial compensable rating for hypertension, service connection for a respiratory disorder (claimed as asthma), service connection for residuals of a right shoulder acromioclavicular separation, and service connection for a right knee disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional treatment records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's asthma claim has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the hypertension, arthritis of the bilateral hands, and arthritis of the bilateral feet claims for further development.

The Veteran's current 50 percent rating for obstructive sleep apnea with asthma is denied as the disability does not more nearly approximate chronic respiratory failure or require a tracheostomy.

The Board denied service connection for melanoma with scar and asthma, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete Gulf War examination and insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding her respiratory issues during service. The claim will be reconsidered with a supplemental examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, asthma, and fibromyalgia (claimed as chronic pain) have been granted service connection. The decision also includes a grant of TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 7, 2020, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has ordered additional development due to conflicting medical opinions and the complexity of the matter. The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and bronchitis, is being evaluated for qualification as a 'medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness'.