COPD decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was caused by exposure to toxic gases during his military service, and granted service connection for COPD.

The veteran's service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease results in a loss of use of both lower extremities, qualifying him for specially adapted housing assistance.

The veteran's claim to reopen the issue of entitlement to TDIU benefits prior to May 1, 1998 is denied as it is legally insufficient.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right thumb injury, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability are not established. The claim for service connection for right wrist disability is pending.,Pending issues include the establishment of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and COPD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding no evidence of a nexus to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the veteran's condition was not related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange. The effective dates for PTSD and TDIU were granted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, pulmonary disorder (to include COPD, Emphysema, and/or Bronchial Disorder), and sinus disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury that resulted in current disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The skin disability claim is pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder on a direct incurrence basis. The secondary service connection issue, related to residuals of a submucous resection, will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to COPD and respiratory failure, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, including due to claimed exposure to aviation fuel fumes and/or mustard gas.

The Board denied service connection for COPD due to exposure to aviation fuel fumes and/or mustard gas, finding that the claim was a new and separate claim from previous attempts.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD/emphysema, finding no evidence of a causal link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's COPD as aggravated by his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, and denied entitlement to a compensable rating for his moderately advanced pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cor pulmonale are service-connected, with the former being secondary to his service-connected splenectomy.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, including COPD, right upper lobectomy, and tuberculosis, as secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VCAA notification and development, as well as the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Board has determined that the criteria for a 100 percent rating for service-connected PTSD have been met, and this decision is granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a lung disability due to asbestos exposure, finding no current evidence linking these conditions to his military service.