Asthma decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma did not clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service, so it is premised on incorrect facts. The Veteran is to be provided with a new examination to consider whether his active service-related asthma is related to his current respiratory conditions.

The appeal on the issue of service connection for asthma, claimed as a lung condition secondary to lung infections is dismissed. The appeals for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions is inadequate and requires further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's asthma, fibromyalgia, and kidney cancer are granted as due to exposure to environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf War.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The Veteran's asthma is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition. The issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded due to changes in his service connection status.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's left leg varicose veins are granted service connection.,The claim for reopening of the respiratory disorder is granted, but the issue remains remanded as a VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if there is new and material evidence.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy secondary to service-connected right and left leg varicose veins is remanded due to need for clarification on parameters of the disability.,The Veteran's right heel spurs require clarification regarding the specific nature of the disability, as a VA examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pulmonary emphysema, asthma, and mesothelioma as secondary to his service-connected asbestosis. The Veteran needs to provide or authorize release of any private treatment records related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeals regarding these conditions.

The Board has denied a higher evaluation for asthma, finding that the Veteran's use of Prednisone was intermittent and not daily as he claimed. The evidence does not support a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea with bronchial asthma is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's TDIU appeal is remanded due to incomplete employment information and a need for further development. The Veteran must provide updated occupational history, including employer names, addresses, contact information, dates of employment, job responsibilities, accommodation details, and income information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of asthma, and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not affording the Veteran an in-person examination for his allergic rhinitis, which must be corrected on remand.

The Veteran's diagnosed respiratory disorders of COPD, chronic bronchitis, and asthma are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and COPD, but denied service connection for atopic dermatitis, hypertension, and a left ankle disorder. The decision is based on the evidence showing these conditions are not related to military service.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to adjudicate the claims for left knee arthritis, OSA with asthma, and TDIU. The appeals for these issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma have been granted. The claim for service connection for COPD, as secondary to the two previously established conditions, has been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma on a presumptive basis due to exposure to burn pits during service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, particularly his current asthma and COPD. The VA is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion addressing these issues.