asthma and lupus implications for VA disability

Question:

My private physician says my service connected bronchial asthma (30%) which led to my separation from the Army was an early manifestation of my yet to be diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, as the asthma did not respond to asthma medication (inhalers etc.) among other indicators. Should I wait until the asthma rating is 20 years old (July 2020) to file a claim for service connected Lupus? If it is determined that the asthma was a manifestation of lupus,  will my asthma rating still be protected? My knee x-rays show arthritis far beyond normal aging (comparatively similar to a 70 year old arthritic woman per my physician) I'm 43 which clearly began during service,  though I did not seek treatment for it that is in my records. Be Blessed in your work.

Jim's Reply:

You can't file a claim for a condition (lupus) that hasn't been diagnosed. Waiting for a 20 year deadline won't make any difference one way or another...the 20 year rule doesn't apply in your situation.  I'm not sure what you're asking about the arthritic joint but if it didn't manifest on active duty, it's a reach to think it can be service connected.