Asthma decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for asthma, which was claimed as due to exposure to a burn pit. The decision is remanded because there were errors in the initial decision and new medical records have been added since the last VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma was granted with an effective date of October 7, 2019. The Board found that the claim was filed within one year of the intent to file a claim on April 30, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma was denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no evidence linking current symptoms to service. Other claims were also denied, including those for left elbow epicondylitis, right elbow epicondylitis, bilateral arm folliculitis, left shin splints, right shin splints, hypothyroidism, and ear otitis externa.

The Board has determined that the appellant had active Federal service from March 14, 1960 to September 13, 1960 for purposes of basic entitlement to VA benefits. The claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's asthma disability was clearly and unmistakably not aggravated in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, including asbestosis and COPD, related to asbestos exposure. The Board also found that the Veteran's preexisting asthma was not aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, and he is already receiving special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status. Therefore, the criteria for TDIU prior to February 19, 2013, have not been met.

The Veteran's asthma, diabetes mellitus type 2 (diabetes), and diabetic neuropathy are not service connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the conditions and his military service. The case is remanded for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's asthma with OSA is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to the severity of his overall disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Sjogren’s syndrome has been granted. The claims for service connection for bilateral flat feet, asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability have been denied. The claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis and tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, sinus bradycardia, nasal disability, and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo examinations to determine the etiology of these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain, right knee instability, asthma, and right knee chondromalacia. The case is being referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including those related to dental bridge, respiratory conditions, generalized joint pain, low back pain, hypertension, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction. The issues are all related to service connection due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for respiratory, skin, and esophageal disabilities, finding that these conditions are not related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents or any other in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral shin splints was denied.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a respiratory disability and hypertension secondary to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and the relationship between his current respiratory disability and military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and sleep apnea are remanded due to conflicting medical records regarding the existence of pre-existing conditions. The Veteran must be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his respiratory conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and asthma. The Veteran is seeking service connection for her acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and asthma.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are necessary to properly evaluate the Veteran's right shoulder and knee disabilities, as well as his asthma. The claims for increased ratings remain on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to new evidence submitted after a previous denial.