Asthma decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative withdrew all claims on appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability, including emphysema, COPD, or asthma due to conflicting medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma prior to September 4, 2021 is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records and a VA examination. The case will be returned to the AOJ for review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back and left knee conditions, do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's asthma is granted under the PACT Act, and her sleep apnea is remanded for further examination to determine if it is secondary to service-connected conditions or caused by obesity.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, specifically bronchiolitis asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, asthma, and an esophageal disorder due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA examiner's opinions did not address the specific environmental toxins present at Fort McClellan during the Veteran's service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions to address conflicting evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lung conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from engaging in physical or sedentary employment as of April 17, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for OSA and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and low back condition due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a recurrent respiratory disability, including allergic rhinitis and asthma, due to incomplete records. The VA should obtain all relevant VA records that could help in resolving the appeal.

The Veteran's asthma was rated at 30% from October 20, 2018 to February 10, 2022 and granted a 60% rating from February 10, 2022 forward. A TDIU is also granted for the entire period of service-connected disabilities.

The appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims. Service connection has been granted for coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Veteran's emphysema and asthma are granted service connection, and he is awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected due to aggravation by his service-connected asthma. However, the issue of an increased rating for asthma remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to May 10, 2017, for the grant of a 100 percent rating for asthma is dismissed.

The Veteran's asthma and right shoulder disability have been rated, but the issues of a rating in excess of 30 percent for his right shoulder disability from February 23, 2015, entitlement to TDIU prior to that date, and entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) remain on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma on a direct basis. Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent disabling for service-connected bronchial asthma and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be provided with new VA examinations, additional medical records, and clarification regarding his use of systemic corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications during the appeal period.