Asthma Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's asthma, finding that it is related to exposure to environmental hazards during active service in the Persian Gulf. The issue of residuals from a rib fracture remains unresolved and requires further clarification as to whether the veteran still desires a hearing on this matter.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected allergic rhinoconjunctivitis does not warrant a rating higher than the current 30 percent, as there is no evidence of infection or necessity for surgery.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disability, asthma, and peptic ulcer disease are not well grounded. The evidence does not show a nexus between any current disabilities and active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities of left and right radial nerves do not warrant a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8514.,The Board also found that the veteran's low back disability does not more nearly approximate severe than mild, and her bronchial asthma is not shown to have increased in severity since the November 1997 VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for asthma, cuts, bruises and a hematoma, and bilateral hearing loss are not well-grounded because there is no evidence of current disabilities linked to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim is well grounded and VA has a duty to assist in its development. The appellant presented medical evidence linking his current disabilities, including bronchiectasis, to his service-connected pneumonia.

The veteran's asthma, thoracic spine injury, folliculitis of scalp and pityriasis rosea of back are all rated at the minimum level. The claim for PTSD is not well-grounded, and service connection for chronic gum disease and plantar fasciitis of left foot (claimed as a left foot disorder) is also not well-grounded.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is not well-grounded and denied it. The claim to reopen his hemangioma of the face was also denied as no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The veteran's asthma is rated at a 30 percent level, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's service-connected conditions to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma, diagnosed during service and related to exercise-induced symptoms, was incurred in service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma and lung damage are not related to service, while his right ear injury is currently manifested by a well-healed scar. The claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of bronchial asthma prior to the Board's decision.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 60 percent for bronchial asthma with chronic sinusitis after June 27, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current asthma existed prior to service but worsened during service. The claim for respiratory disability is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of her claims, including whether she seeks service connection for a deviated nasal septum secondary to her service-connected respiratory conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome or bronchial asthma, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The veteran's respiratory symptoms are also not supported by evidence.

The veteran's service-connected COPD, asthma, and emphysema are found to be disabling enough for him to be considered unemployable due to his disabilities.

The veteran is entitled to vocational rehabilitation training due to her service-connected disabilities and employment handicap.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the original decision granting service connection for asthma, but not for rhinitis. The denial of restoration was upheld as consistent with applicable law.