Asthma Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, while his bronchial asthma, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine are not service-connected.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic asthma and a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, finding that these claims are decided on the merits without any presumption or new evidence.

The Board finds that the veteran's pulmonary disorder, claimed as COPD and asthma, may be related to his in-service exposure during Project SHAD. However, there is a reasonable doubt about this connection.,Regarding glaucoma with cataracts, post-extraction, with IOL placement, the evidence raises a reasonable doubt as to whether it was caused by steroid use for service-connected respiratory disabilities.

The veteran's claims for higher special monthly compensation and reopening service connection were denied due to the lack of evidence showing a need for increased aid and attendance beyond what is provided by his existing disabilities.

The veteran's asthma, headaches, and digestive condition are presumed to be due to his Gulf War service. The RO granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's heart disorder and asthma were not incurred or aggravated by his active service, nor could they be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for a compensable rating for asthma due to PTSD was also denied.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed as he did not file a timely Substantive Appeal for the claims of service connection for spondylitic protrusion and desiccation of the lumbar spine, bilateral hearing loss, arthritis, atherosclerotic heart disease, and asthma.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic headaches, and a disability manifested by upper respiratory infections are denied as there is no competent evidence to show these conditions may be associated with an event, injury, or disease in service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a diagnosed muscular chest wall disorder and denied his claim for service connection. The VA examiner did not find any evidence linking the veteran's current asthma to his service or post-service conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling special VA pulmonary and cardiovascular examinations, and providing an opportunity for the veteran to respond.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bronchial asthma, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 20, 2001 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased rating for right shoulder disability, service connection for asthma, and reopening of previously denied claims were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the right shoulder disability or service connection for asthma. The claim to reopen previously denied claims was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current respiratory disorder is related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and sinusitis as the appellant did not have a diagnosed disability during or within one year after service, and there was no evidence of aggravation.

The veteran's bronchial asthma was rated at 30 percent from October 22, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and granted a 60 percent rating effective from October 22, 2005. Since January 1, 2006, the veteran's bronchial asthma was rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disability, which includes asthma, COPD, and bronchitis. The decision is based on evidence submitted by the veteran regarding his exposure to environmental hazards in the boiler room and during the Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and for DEA under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 due to new evidence requiring further development, including obtaining a VA opinion on whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his suicide.

The Board has granted service connection for lung disease (asthma and COPD) due to exposure to toxic substances during service, including as a result of fuels. The Board also granted service connection for right hip and right lower extremity arthritis secondary to the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a lung disorder, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that is related to his current conditions.