Asthma Board decisions

The Veteran's bronchial asthma was granted a 100% rating from January 17, 2012 to August 8, 2022. The other issues remain pending and will be remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, with the exception of a remand for further development on several service connection issues. The lumbosacral strain claim was denied as there is no evidence that it meets the criteria for a higher rating. The allergic rhinitis claim was also denied since it does not meet the criteria for a 10% rating due to lack of obstruction or polyps. Other claims were remanded.

The Veteran's asthma symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating over 10 percent, as they do not involve FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent predicted, daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, inhalational anti-inflammatory medication, at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, intermittent courses of systemic corticosteroids, more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or immuno-suppressive medications. The Veteran's asthma symptoms are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the claim for an adequate VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is related to his in-service chemical exposure or treatment for pneumonia.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA pulmonologist to address whether any of the Veteran's lung disorders were caused by his in-service exposure to lead-based paints, various contaminants, and/or asbestos fibers aboard the USS Moale. The case is now pending further review.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and asthma have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's asthma, claimed as a respiratory condition and shortness of breath, is related to her service-connected sinusitis. However, an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if this relationship is due to or aggravated by the sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and allergic rhinitis due to insufficient consideration of new evidence, including a Veteran's hospitalization in December 1958 and his reports regarding symptom onset.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for asthma, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), tension headaches, sleep apnea, a right ankle disability, and bronchitis have been dismissed as the benefits sought on appeal were granted in full.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the service-connected disabilities granted in his December 2015 rating decision. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to verify the dates of active-duty service prior to September 23, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal for bilateral inguinal hernia repair was dismissed as the Veteran explicitly requested withdrawal.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for tinnitus was also dismissed as the Veteran and his representative withdrew the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's sleep apnea is being reviewed, but it may be related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of asthma was denied as the earliest possible effective date is July 6, 2017, when he filed a request to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for asthma is granted, but his GERD claim is denied.

The Veteran is granted TDIU from February 18, 2016, to December 31, 2017, and since April 1, 2022. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment during these periods.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development and opinions regarding exposure to asbestos, as well as the etiology of his respiratory and gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to exposure to burn pits during his service in Somalia, and the condition is presumed under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's asthma is not considered an inhalation injury, and therefore does not qualify for a special home adaptation grant. The Veteran was denied eligibility due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, lung disorder including a persistent cough, asthma, and COPD, and pneumonia. The cause of death claim is also remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for obstructive sleep apnea, interstitial lung disease with bronchial asthma is denied. The earliest possible effective date under law is April 20, 2018.