COPD decisions — 2007

The Board has granted service connection for nicotine dependence and determined that it is proximately due to the veteran's tobacco use during service, which contributed to his COPD. The claim for a pulmonary disorder was also granted as secondary to nicotine dependence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding the veteran's respiratory disorders and their relation to service.

The Board finds that the veteran's COPD is likely due to service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his pulmonary tuberculosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was granted, but only effective from September 21, 2004. The Board found that the criteria for a 100 percent rating were met as of February 8, 1995.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary/respiratory disorder, to include COPD and emphysema, as there is no competent evidence showing that any such disorder had its onset during service or is in any way related to service.

The veteran's COPD and CAD were found to have manifested during service and are related to service, thus granting the veteran service connection for these conditions.