Asthma decisions — 2022

The Veteran was found to be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities from November 1, 2010 through June 6, 2012. The Board granted a TDIU for this period based on the combined disability rating of at least 70%.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and sleep apnea, finding that a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's active duty included periods as an aircraft mechanic and in Turkey.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful course of employment, and thus grants his claim for TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, and a cardiac disorder. The claims for depression are remanded due to incomplete VA examination reports.

The Board has restored the disability ratings for moderate persistent asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to their previous levels, effective September 1, 2017.

The Veteran's sleep apnea with asthma is rated at 100 percent prior to June 25, 2020. He also qualifies for special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The appeals for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and reopening of claims for service connection for weight loss (hyperthyroidism) and bilateral knee conditions have been dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma, gastrointestinal condition, and bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to particulate matter during his Southwest Asia theater of operations service.

The Board has found that remand is necessary for both the respiratory disability and bilateral hearing loss claims due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is withdrawn. The Veteran's right ankle pain claim is granted, but the respiratory disability and left foot condition claims are remanded due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders, including bronchitis, asthma, and COPD, were not incurred in service and are not otherwise etiologically related to service, to include as due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea has been granted. The Board finds that his currently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea began during his active duty service and grants the claim. Other issues related to right hip, left knee, right knee, left shoulder, right shoulder, and low back disabilities are remanded due to inadequate VA examination records.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection due to Gulf War exposure. Right foot tarsitis and right ankle tendonitis, as well as bilateral eye optic atrophy and migraine headaches are all granted service connection with effective dates prior to February 20, 2014. However, the Veteran's TBI claim has been denied for an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma began during service and is not due to a pre-existing condition. Therefore, service connection for asthma is granted.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD, was not incurred during active duty service. The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's in-service exposures and his current respiratory disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for asthmatic bronchitis, service connection for sleep apnea and otitis externa with dizziness as secondary to his asthma, and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, has been granted. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, ulcer condition (gastrointestinal), and respiratory condition (asthma) have been remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for prior to May 20, 2015 is granted. The COPD rating issue from October 4, 2013 is remanded due to an inaccurate SSOC.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and Respiratory Symptoms. The case is being remanded to obtain additional opinions from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's asthma was rated at 30% effective April 29, 2020. The left knee strain received a separate 10% rating from April 26, 2019.,A TDIU claim was denied.