COPD decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was not incurred during his military service and is not related to any exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The claim for service connection for COPD is denied.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for lip carcinoma and its related disabilities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, squamous cell of the neck, hypothyroidism, sinus bradycardia, aneurysm, and squamous cell carcinoma of the jaw, all linked to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure due to COPD, was not caused or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and for DIC benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that there was no objective evidence of radiation exposure during service and that the veteran did not meet the eligibility criteria for DIC benefits.

The Board found that COPD was not manifested in service and there is no competent evidence linking it to service or Agent Orange exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for COPD due to Agent Orange exposure was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and emphysema, finding that there was no direct evidence of asbestos exposure in service or a link between current respiratory disabilities and such exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, gastroesophageal disease, respiratory condition (COPD), or right shoulder disability related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the veteran's medical records and to provide a VA physician with expertise in disability experienced by the veteran to review the expanded claims file.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, a skin disorder, and PTSD as there is no evidence of a chronic disability in service or otherwise related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asbestosis, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The right knee disability is also found to be related to his service-connected right knee disability. No increased rating or total rating based on individual unemployability was granted.

The Board found no evidence of the veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation in service. There is also no competent medical evidence linking any of his current conditions to service or to such exposure. Therefore, service connection for these claims was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a pulmonary disorder, finding that his current conditions were not related to his military service or exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VCAA notice, and the veteran must provide new evidence or competent medical evidence that his current COPD is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, status post coronary artery bypass graft surgery, as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus Type 2.

The Board found that the veteran's fatal respiratory condition was not due to any service-connected disability, including his cold injury residuals. Therefore, the service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially or materially in producing the veteran's death.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated pulmonary function test results and medical records.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, myocardial infarction due to or as a consequence of coronary artery disease, was not caused by or contributed substantially or materially to his death. The service-connected disabilities did not play a role in causing his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular, COPD, colon disability, and skin disorder are not related to his participation in Project SHAD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and residuals of kidney stones as there is no evidence showing a link between these conditions and his military service.