COPD decisions — 2005

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated in service and are not related to nicotine dependence acquired during service.

The Board found that the causes of the veteran's death were not related to his service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and pulmonary hypertension, finding that these conditions were not related to the veteran's active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's breathing problems and skin rash are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not presumed to be due to herbicide exposure, and he does not have a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his inability to require regular aid and assistance of another person.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's current respiratory disorders, including emphysema and COPD with a history of tuberculosis, are related to his service or any incident therein. The claim was denied.

The veteran claims service connection for a pulmonary disorder including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, alleging exposure to chemical agents during military service. The appeal is remanded due to incomplete verification of his in-service duties and exposure.

The VA determined that the veteran's residuals of stab wound to the right chest, which includes his chronic bronchitis with COPD, do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The VA determined that there is no credible medical evidence linking the veteran's current COPD to his military service, including any exposure to asbestos. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence does not support the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for additional Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any current respiratory disorder is related to asbestos exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities manifested by high fever with dizziness, a stomach disorder, or a lung disorder. The preponderance of evidence is against his claims for service connection in these areas.

The Board finds that the cause of the veteran's death, which was listed as natural causes with severe COPD contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause given, is not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's COPD developed during or was aggravated by his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's current pulmonary fibrosis is related to his in-service treatment for pneumonia, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed COPD is not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service exposure or injury leading to current COPD.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to active service.

The VA denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 based on hypothetical entitlement to a total disability rating for at least 10 years prior to death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and sleep apnea, both claimed as due to radiation exposure. The VA examiner found no evidence of asbestos or asbestos-related disease in the veteran's case.