Asthma Board decisions

The Veteran's left wrist disability is due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,The Veteran's right leg disability is also due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,For the period prior to November 2, 2012, a 50 percent rating for depressive disorder has been granted. For the period since November 2, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 50 percent rating for migraine headaches has been granted.,For the period prior to November 5, 2012, a 10 percent rating for asthma has been granted. For the period since November 5, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 30 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on limitation of motion has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 20 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on unilateral loss of whole or part of ramus involving loss of temporomandibular articulation has been granted.,A 20 percent rating for the right ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the right knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right lower extremity neuropathy has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For the period prior to December 13, 2012, a 10 percent rating for GERD has been granted. For the period since December 13, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for sinusitis has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sick sinus syndrome with pacemaker, hypertensive heart disease, and asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, finding that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to known clinical diagnoses of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, and it is at least as likely as not that her chronic respiratory disorder had its onset during military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of the medical records from Fort Leonard Wood submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran is currently in receipt of SMC at the rate equal to subsection (m) based on the loss of use of both legs due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities with additional disability (service-connected bronchial asthma) independently ratable as 100 percent disabling from August 20, 2009. The Veteran's claims for higher levels of SMC under 38 C.F.R. � 3.350(f)(3) and 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(o) have been denied.

The Board found that the additional evidence received subsequent to the September 2009 decision did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for service connection due to asthma, as it was less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, back disability, and left hip disability are related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has restored the Veteran's special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A), effective March 1, 2008. The RO found that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes-related bilateral peripheral neuropathy necessitated A&A for bathing, dressing, shopping, and chores.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal of the claim for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing for the service connection claim for asthma.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal, indicating she is satisfied with the decision made and wants to withdraw any remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion addressing whether his current respiratory disorder, including asthma, was incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma has been managed with inhalational therapy and medication, without the need for monthly physician visits or systemic corticosteroids. PFT results show no worse than FEV-1 of 77 percent predicted and a FEV-1/FVC score of 72 percent. The Board finds that these symptoms do not warrant an increased rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 1, 2007 for the grant of service connection for bronchial asthma, resolving a doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining gainful employment for which he would otherwise be qualified.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a respiratory disorder, to include asthma. The VA examiner concluded that there was no nexus between the veteran's active duty service and her current conditions.

The Veteran's pre-existing acquired psychiatric disorder was permanently aggravated by his second period of active duty service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. His asthma and tuberculosis claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spinal stenosis, kidney cancer residuals, and pulmonary disability. The issues are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her current psychiatric, heart, lung, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The claims will be re-evaluated after this process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis and unguim, syncope, asthma, and COPD are granted. However, his claim for diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.