Asthma Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and her TDIU have been granted. She is now rated at 70% disability due to the combined effect of multiple service-connected conditions, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations. The claim for TDIU is also considered on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, and for consideration of extraschedular TDIU criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from January 2014 to the present. The Veteran's claim of reopening his service connection for bronchial asthma will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the March 2002 rating decision denying service connection for asthma was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling each, with no higher ratings warranted based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's 100% rating for asthma is restored as the reduction was not properly considered.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his active duty service. The issues of an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for asthma prior to August 27, 2012, and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent since August 27, 2012, are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that asthma was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a compensable rating for dermatitis of the bilateral hands. The other issues were either not addressed or denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a currently diagnosed cervical spine, heart, or headache disability. The Veteran's asthma was not evaluated for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current mental condition related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of asthma is being remanded as it requires additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found no evidence of limitation of motion or pain to shoulder level, warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is due to his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 60 percent initial disability rating for bronchial asthma with emphysema from January 28, 1982 until June 20, 2000 and then grants a 100 percent total disability rating from June 21, 2000. The issues of higher initial disability rating for allergic rhinitis in excess of 10 percent and entitlement to TDIU are addressed.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent prior to September 6, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating as it shows daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy but no other criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, keratoconus, and exercise induced asthma are all rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected asthma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and outstanding records, including those from a private clinic where the Veteran received treatment for respiratory complaints since 1981. The Veteran's asthma is being evaluated again by a pulmonologist to determine its likely etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, including asthmatic bronchitis/asthma, is attributable to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, including asthma, obstructive chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The bilateral hearing loss disability did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.