COPD decisions — 2007

The Board found that COPD is not related to active military service and is not proximately due to a service-connected disability, including pulmonary fibrosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VCAA notice and a need for a clear rationale from the VA physician regarding the cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for CAD, COPD, diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer, finding that these conditions were not related to his military service or asbestos exposure.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other respiratory disorder and denied increased ratings for residuals of right and left carpal tunnel release surgeries. The claim for an increased rating for hypertension was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's death was unrelated to his military service and denied entitlement to service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of pulmonary emboli, respiratory disorder (COPD), or heart disorder (Myocardial Infarction) incurred in service.,Service connection for these conditions is denied as there is no evidence of their occurrence during active duty and no medical opinion linking them to service.

The Board found no competent medical evidence establishing a link between the veteran's service and his current COPD with interstitial fibrosis (asbestosis) or CAD. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, myopia with astigmatism and presbyopia, and COPD. The RO found no evidence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and a cardiovascular disorder, finding no link to service or presumptive exposure. The veteran's current conditions are attributed to his own tobacco use and other factors.

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

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type 2. The pre-existing heart and lung conditions were deemed more significant in causing his death.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's lung disorder, including COPD and TB, to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence to support a link between the veteran's current lung conditions and his period of active duty.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a service-connected disability, and therefore could not establish service connection for the cause of his death. The conditions listed as causing his death (cardiopulmonary arrest, pulmonary obstruction, COPD, emphysema, and pneumonia) were not shown to be related to military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The Board also finds that the veteran's service-connected GSW residuals contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate, finding that she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the veteran's COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor is this condition proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. As such, the claim for service connection for COPD is denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as the result of exposure to asbestos. The case is remanded due to lack of adequate medical records from his active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, bilateral hearing loss and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are not related to service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including chronic depression, attention deficit disorder, COPD, a kidney disorder, sleep disorder, and impotence, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's lung disorder, rated as 60 percent disabling prior to October 28, 2002, is now rated at 100 percent effective from that date. The claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is moot as of October 28, 2002.