COPD decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and to reopen his claim of service connection for COPD, finding that there was no current diagnosed disability and insufficient evidence linking any claimed conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death, which was caused by cardiac ischemia. The Board found that the PTSD aggravated his pre-existing medical conditions and ultimately led to his death.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not meet the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current respiratory condition, including COPD and bronchiectasis, did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease, absence of continuous symptoms after service, and no nexus between the current condition and service.

The Board found no evidence of asbestos exposure during service and denied the claim for service connection for COPD as due to asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not due to an event or incident of his period of active service. The claim for PTSD and hypertension will be remanded as additional information is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied. The claims for higher ratings for his low back disorder and radiculopathy, as well as the TDIU claim, were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted. The claim for COPD as secondary to PTSD was granted. The claim to reopen the Raynaud's phenomenon service connection issue was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, cancer of the throat, was related to asbestos exposure during military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lung disease, including COPD and emphysema, was not manifested in service or for many years thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and respiratory disorder, as well as an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, were denied. The Board found no current diagnosed conditions related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant seeks entitlement to service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, alleging that the Veteran died from a lung condition related to exposure to aircraft fuel in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support these claims as they are not related to active service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including scarlet fever residuals and heart disease, are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance from another person prior to his death is established, but the RO must determine if his income was in excess of the maximum annual pension rate at the time of his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various respiratory and skin conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential mustard gas exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was reopened due to the submission of new evidence showing a current diagnosis of dysthymia with PTSD traits.,The claims for service connection for hypertension and hepatitis C were not reopened as the submitted evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, emphysema, pulmonary edema, and bronchial infections are being remanded for additional development due to inadequate VA examination. The claims for angina, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertensive heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension will also be remanded for a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (RH insurance) due to his non-service-connected disabilities, including COPD and multiple strokes, which rendered him not in 'good health'.