Asthma Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing asthma did not permanently worsen beyond its natural progression during her service with the Army Reserve, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claims can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bronchial asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied as the conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic lung disease, including asbestosis, COPD, and asthma was granted. The exposure basis is presumed based on asbestos exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids warrant a noncompensable evaluation prior to August 13, 2012 and a 10 percent evaluation from that date forward.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, sinus disability, and sleep apnea due to incomplete service records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for asthma, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted since the May 2008 decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease, acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU. The claim for an increased rating for bronchial asthma was granted to a 60 percent rating, effective from the date of the May 2011 rating decision.

The Veteran's asthma, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability are all found to be related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder (claimed as asthma and bronchitis) but granted an effective date of January 26, 2001, for the award of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The issue of service connection for interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma related to asbestos exposure is also pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability, including asthma and sarcoidosis. The issue is now on remand for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma, service connection for sinusitis and a right ankle disability, and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and the need to verify duty status during a weekend MVA. Service connection for cervical spine disability and asthma will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a respiratory disability including COPD, asthma, and dyspnea are all granted. The respiratory disability claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding insecticide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma does not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment of a sedentary nature.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for COPD (claimed as asthma). The Veteran's continued assertion that his preexisting respiratory condition was aggravated by military service was before the RO at the time of the February 1998 decision and is therefore cumulative.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for medical opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition. The appeal is now pending again with instructions for further development.

The Veteran's asthma and aspergillosis have been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under any applicable criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and records to determine the severity of her service-connected conditions and to clarify her claims.