Asthma decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to February 24, 2020.,The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss was denied due to the average puretone threshold being at Level II (noncompensable).,Service connection for esophageal disorder and IBS were denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and service.,Service connection for a back disability, right shoulder disability, respiratory disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder were granted.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, to include asthma, and atrial fibrillation are remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination. The right knee and left knee disabilities are also remanded for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy, asthma, ankylosing spondylitis with sacral joint involvement, and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Veteran is now receiving a 30 percent rating for his asthma from May 31, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition, including asthma, and a right knee condition due to procedural issues. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these other claims.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as presumptive service connection under the PACT Act due to exposure to burn pits during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD. The VA examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents, and if they are proximately caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, finding that there is no evidence of any incident or connection to a period of active service, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sinusitis, asthma, rhinitis, IBS, CAD, right ankle disability, right knee disability, headaches, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have caused obesity. The examiner should also assess if obesity is a substantial factor in causing sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims for right elbow, lumbar spine, sinusitis, vertigo, and asthma disabilities. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.,VA will obtain all updated VA treatment records and ensure that any Community Care program records are associated with the file.

The Veteran's TBI is rated as noncompensable, with no impairment in any facet of cognitive impairment or other residuals.,The Veteran's asthma does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6602.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction (presumed secondary to a service-connected condition), and respiratory disorders (allergies and asthma). The evidence does not support finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's asthma is being remanded due to an inadequate examination, and the service connection for TBI and stutter is also being remanded as there was no neurological examination addressing the claimed disability.,Further examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bronchial asthma, a skin disease characterized as a fully body rash, type II diabetes mellitus, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to the lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma from August 10, 2022. Service connection for the Veteran's asthma prior to this date is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting a direct relationship with his military service. The claim for PTSD and IVDS remains pending.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder, allergic rhinitis, asthma, right hand disability manifested by numbness, and left hand disability manifested by numbness are all granted as service-connected.,An effective date of April 2, 2018, is assigned for the award of service connection for left shoulder degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory/pulmonary conditions, including neoplasms and not to exclude asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis, which are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to lack of anatomical loss or permanent loss of use of a hand or foot.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lung disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to assist the Veteran with his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing notice regarding military sexual trauma. The claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, but denied service connection for tuberculosis. The Veteran's current respiratory diagnosis is limited to asthma.