COPD decisions — 2011

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as COPD. The appellant claims that the Veteran's service-connected depression contributed to his smoking habit and ultimately his development of COPD. The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected depression caused or aggravated nicotine addiction, which in turn led to COPD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding whether his smoking was caused by his service-connected PTSD and if it contributed to his current condition.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and lung disease including asthmatic bronchitis and COPD. Service connection for impotence is denied.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including claimed asbestosis, is not related to service and the Board finds that it was not incurred or aggravated by asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory condition is not shown to be due to a disease or injury in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including his diagnosed COPD, is found to be related to the in-service symptoms of pleural effusion and bronchopneumonia. The Board finds it as likely as not that the current condition is due to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD, asthma, and emphysema are not related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service in Guam and Taiwan, and whether his inservice pleurisy and chest pain are related to his current conditions.

The Veteran's lung disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and he does not have any service-connected disabilities. Therefore, his claims for service connection and TDIU are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death. The preponderance of evidence indicated that other factors, such as hypertension, chronic alcohol abuse, hyperlipidemia, and morbid obesity, were more likely causes of the Veteran's coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's lung disability and coronary artery disease are being remanded for further development to determine if they are related to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's back disorder is not service connected as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his in-service injury. The lung condition may be service-connected, but the VA examiner will need to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to by, an injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The VA medical opinion and evidence of record indicate that his service-connected disorders were not a principal or contributory cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure and denied service connection for COPD as not related to service, including chemical or asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required. The Veteran's lung disability claim remains under consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a disability incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 were also not met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, degenerative disc disease of the low back, L4/5, and claudication of the right and left lower extremity. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted since the February 2007 decision is not new and material, thus denying the appellant's application to reopen her claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the finding that the Veteran's current pulmonary disability, including COPD and emphysema, was incurred in or aggravated by active service, to include as a result of exposure to asbestos.