Asthma Board decisions

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder and granted his claim, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish that his current lung disability is related to his in-service pneumonia.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asthma and non-service-connected pension benefits was denied as he did not have active duty service during a period of war.

The Board found that the veteran's asthma existed prior to service and was not aggravated during his military service. Therefore, it denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence to support his assertions of in-service injury or related disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, breathing problems (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rhinitis), erectile dysfunction, neck disability, sleep apnea, and increased rating for chronic back strain. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board found no current disability for memory loss or a nervous disorder, and the VA examiner opined that diabetes mellitus is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.,Service connection was denied for nausea as there was no confirmed diagnosis in the medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma as secondary to the veteran's service-connected sinusitis and allergies.

The Board found that the veteran's lung disability, to include asthma, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the veteran's diabetes mellitus was not related to his service and denied the claim. The asthma issue remains pending as further development is needed.

The veteran's asthma disability was granted an increased rating of 10 percent effective December 1, 2004. The RO also determined that the earlier effective date for this rating is July 30, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder and an increased rating for right ankle Achilles tendonitis, finding that the medical evidence did not support higher ratings or additional benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of the record, including obtaining SSA records and disability retirement medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, including asthma, did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise, and therefore, the veteran's current asthma was manifested during service. As a result, the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for asthma.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities result in him needing regular aid and assistance.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete evidence and the need for additional examinations. The RO will secure all relevant medical records, arrange for VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.