COPD decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lung conditions are not related to service, including any exposure to Agent Orange or other incidents of active military service.

The Board found that COPD and prostate cancer are not related to service exposure to ionizing radiation. The veteran's respiratory issues were noted in the 1980s, but there is no evidence of such conditions during his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected asthma with COPD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 15, 2008. Beginning on May 15, 2008, the evidence showed symptoms warranting a 100% disability evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and emphysema, finding no evidence of a chronic lung disorder during his military service or within any applicable presumptive period. The Board also found that there was insufficient medical evidence to link the veteran's current COPD and emphysema to exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his early death from cardiac disease, and thus service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that COPD was not caused by asbestos exposure during service and attributing it to tobacco use. The Board concluded that there is no causal link between the veteran's active duty service and his death.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected depressive reaction, and therefore denied DIC benefits.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that another medical opinion is needed to decide the claim for service connection for a lung disorder, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The veteran's current respiratory diagnosis and its etiology are unclear.

The Board found that the veteran's COPD did not manifest during service or due to asbestos exposure, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for lung cancer associated with exposure to Agent Orange, but denied the request for an earlier effective date. The claim was received more than one year after separation from active duty and no earlier than August 20, 2002.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's death to his service-connected residuals of an appendectomy or any other incident of service. The preponderance of the evidence is against service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD with chronic bronchitis, finding that there is no association between his current disorder and his in-service pulmonary ailments.

The Board found that the objective medical evidence did not establish current cold weather injury residuals to the ears, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The respiratory disorder claim is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records.

The VA has determined that there is no positive association between exposure to herbicides and COPD, so service connection cannot be established presumptively. A new VA examination of the lungs and airways is needed.

The Board found that the veteran's lung disorder, including asbestosis and COPD, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the veteran's care providers and seeking a medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service and denied his claim for service connection.