Asthma Board decisions

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and thus remanded for further development and an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development. The issues of increased evaluations for asthma, migraine headaches, cervical spine strain post fusion C5-C6 with disc bulging and stenosis, and lumbago with L3-L4 disc herniation are all pending. A total disability rating based on individual unemployment (TDIU) prior to September 20, 2021 is also pending.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service and aggravation by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to its manifestation within the 10-year presumptive period following separation from active service in Afghanistan.,The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's chronic bilateral ear disorder is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is granted as service-connected due to its aggravation by her major depressive disorder.,The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted as service-connected with an increased rating required based on the frequency and severity of attacks.,The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis at L5-S1 prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's cervical spine osteoarthritis prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's right knee medial compartment osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required based on the severity of symptoms.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection as it manifested within 10 years of his separation from active duty in the Persian Gulf War, and he was presumed exposed to particulate matter during that time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, respiratory, and throat disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions. The VA must provide an addendum opinion on all issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition has been reopened due to new evidence. Other issues have also been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's asthma was rated at 60 percent from December 28, 2012 and continues to be rated at that level. The Board denied an increased rating higher than 60 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted them. The issues of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a respiratory disability (claimed as breathing disorder, to include asthma), and a bilateral foot disability are remanded.

A rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn.,Service connection for asthma, a respiratory disorder, is granted under the PACT Act. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.,The Veteran's kidney stones are presumed to have been incurred in service due to the PACT Act.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, finding that the Veteran's preexisting asthma did not worsen during military service and was not aggravated by any in-service event or exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand instructions. An addendum VA opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's asthma was incurred in service or related to service exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability due to asbestos exposure, finding that there was no evidence of a link between his current lung condition and his active service. The Board noted that the Veteran had normal lungs at separation from service and remained asymptomatic for lung disease until his diagnosis in 1998.

The Board has remanded the cases of asthma and COPD for further evaluation due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records from Fort Huachuca and a need for an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the respiratory disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for asthma and scars due to improper filing of a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) under the Appeals Modernization Act.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of asthma, finding no clear and unmistakable evidence that it preexisted his military service. The VA medical examiner concluded that the condition did not clearly and unmistakably exist prior to service and was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, including asthma, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for COPD with asthma prior to July 17, 2013 was denied.,Entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for COPD with asthma and OSA prior to December 22, 2021 was denied.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma required daily use of immunosuppressive medication from March 17, 2014. A 100 percent rating is granted for this period.

Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is granted. Service connection for asthma is remanded.