COPD decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date prior to August 21, 1997 for his total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not suffer from disabilities that render him so nearly helpless as to need such assistance.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to active service. The claim for increased rating for left knee disability is pending.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for COPD, finding that his current condition is at least as likely as not to have begun during his military service.

The veteran's lung disorder, including asbestosis and COPD, was not shown to be related to service. Hyperopia/Presbyopia were found not recognized as disabilities under the law for VA compensation purposes.

The veteran's disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, as he is able to care for himself and protect himself from daily hazards.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for psoriasis was denied, as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher evaluation.,The veteran's claim seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for COPD and asthma incurred during VA treatment in July 1986 was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's COPD/emphysema is service-connected and granted an initial evaluation of 100% for this condition. The left knee injury and PTB are not currently compensable.

The Board has denied the claim as the evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death.

The veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are currently rated at 60 percent, effective October 7, 1996.

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

The Board found that the veteran's asthmatic bronchitis, claimed as COPD, pre-existed service and was not aggravated by it. The claim for depression is not well-grounded.

The Board determined that an effective date prior to May 1, 1992 for the grant of DIC benefits is not warranted due to a lack of timely submission of necessary information by the appellant.

The veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were denied. The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's COPD to military service, and his lumbar spine disability was rated as moderate limitation of motion without severe involvement. His knee disabilities did not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder secondary to mustard gas exposure, finding that the evidence supports this conclusion after considering all relevant facts and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current pulmonary conditions and his military service, including as secondary to his service-connected PTB. The veteran's claim for increased evaluation for service-connected PTB was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's COPD is not related to service, and denied his claim.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of death due to nicotine dependence is not well grounded because there is no medical evidence linking in-service smoking or a nicotine addiction acquired in service to the veteran's untimely death.

The veteran's loss of use of the lower extremities is not due to a service-connected disability, and he does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptations grants.