COPD decisions — 2003

The veteran's COPD is service-connected as secondary to nicotine dependence. The nervous condition (claimed as fatigue) is not service-connected.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for corneal opacities and conjunctivitis due to mustard gas exposure, but granted an increased rating of 50% for bilateral pes cavus.

The Board denied the appellant's application to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted with an effective date of January 21, 2000.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD with shortness of breath, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma was incurred in service and granted service connection for it. However, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease did not manifest during or as a result of service and is denied.