COPD decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to questions regarding the nature and etiology of his respiratory disabilities, including potential exposure to Agent Orange. The case will be reviewed for service connection in this context.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The appeal is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for recognition of C.L.M. as the 'helpless child' of the Veteran on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining age 18, based on evidence showing that she was permanently incapable of self-support due to various health conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lung disability, finding that his current lung disabilities are related to his military service. The Veteran also had an increased rating and TDIU claims addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's bronchial asthma is related to service-connected tuberculosis and inservice treatment for chronic bronchitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing at the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lung disability (COPD/emphysema) is due to his 30-year history of smoking, which began while he was in service. However, VA cannot grant service connection for disabilities claimed to be due to veterans' use of tobacco products during service for claims received after June 9, 1998.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disease, claimed as due to asbestos exposure is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran is entitled to specially adapted housing benefits due to his service-connected COPD and PTSD, as he requires a wheelchair for mobility. He is not eligible for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the extent and etiology of COPD, and an opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a revised dose estimate from DTRA based on the location of the appellant's duty station.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lung disorder, including emphysema and COPD, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his condition is related to cold weather exposure during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a functional heart murmur, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The claim for fibrocystic breast disease is pending as new evidence suggests an increase in symptoms.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and provide a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his service-connected hypertension was either the principal or contributory cause.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a lung disorder is being reviewed based on his exposure to asbestos during military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lung disability, including pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is related to service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, on both direct and secondary bases. The appeal is currently remanded to obtain additional medical records and personnel information.

The Veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected condition, including his first-degree atrioventricular block and pre-existing COPD, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of causation.