Asthma decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for bronchial asthma and arteriosclerotic heart disease were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability. The right ankle and right knee conditions were granted service connection based on their relationship to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety and asthma prevented him from obtaining substantially gainful employment prior to October 18, 2016.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from May 17, 2018 to September 26, 2022.,Radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are each granted a separate 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bronchial asthma and lumbar degenerative disc disease are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Veteran's tension headaches and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have not been productive of characteristic prostrating attacks or other symptoms warranting higher ratings.,Service connection for asthma, respiratory insufficiency (COPD), sinusitis, neck disability, and muscle and joint pain has not been established.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective November 29, 2017. The Veteran's asthma is rated at 60 percent, also effective November 29, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to confusion regarding the scheduling of an examination for a respiratory disability, other than asthma. The Veteran's presence was not requested and he did not report for the scheduled examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's service treatment records are sought, as well as an addendum opinion regarding his back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded issues related to heart conditions, acquired psychiatric disorders (including depression), hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cough-variant asthma, thoracolumbar scoliosis, left shoulder tendinitis with clavicle fracture, tinnitus, right and left carpal tunnel syndromes, residuals of otitis media, and left lower extremity radiculopathy, are rated at 70 percent combined from December 2, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on these disabilities, but the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, neurocognitive disorder, and erectile dysfunction remain unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, including diagnosed asthma and COPD. The issues of service connection for residuals of a stress fracture of the left fibula and bilateral hearing loss have been resolved in full.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, specifically asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is rated at 30 percent. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 6602 or 6604.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding an effective date prior to August 5, 2021 for asthma service connection. Other claims are pending with remands for further development.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with its remand directives and an additional remand is necessary for further development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral flat feet, back disability, and lung condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for asthma, PTSD, and Hodgkin's lymphoma due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for asthma and sinusitis prior to August 10, 2022 due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset or relationship to active duty.

The Board has granted the appellant's eligibility for VA benefits, and therefore the underlying service connection claims are remanded to determine if she is entitled to these benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for a right wrist disorder and a lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's asthma is also granted on the basis of presumptive exposure to burn pits under the PACT Act.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tremors and a respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD. The Veteran's tremors are denied as not related to military service or herbicide exposure. For the respiratory disorders, an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if they began during service or are causally related.

The Board has remanded the claims for sarcoidosis and asthma due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service. A TERA VA examination is needed, and efforts should be made to obtain military personnel records from the Veteran's entire period of active service.