COPD decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of legal merit, as his character of discharge barred him from VA benefits. The claim for COPD was also denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and legal entitlement to accrued benefits, finding no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's post-service conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and asbestosis, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his smoking in service did not cause his COPD and subsequent death. The Board also found that his service-connected disabilities did not substantially or materially contribute to his death.

The veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation are being remanded due to incomplete development of the record, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has found that the veteran's appendectomy scar is service-connected, and his lung condition is not attributable to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of his claimed conditions and exposure history.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, far advanced, inactive with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis warrants a rating of 60 percent under the old criteria for evaluation of residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board found that the causes of the veteran's death were not related to his military service and denied both claims for non-service-connected pension benefits and for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that it was not established due to the prohibition on tobacco-related claims filed after June 9, 1998.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA medical examination and notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and entitlement to accrued benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking his respiratory disorders to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, sinusitis, right great toe disability, and COPD are not related to his service. The case is being REMANDED for further action.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease and generalized anxiety disorder, prevent him from dressing, attending to his wants of nature, and protecting himself from daily hazards. He is not blind or helpless, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to being housebound.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to insufficient evidence provided by the RO.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA medical records and the need for an addendum VA medical opinion regarding his claims. The issue of service connection for COPD has been placed in appellate status.