COPD decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability, including asthma and COPD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, was not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The pre-existing condition of bronchial asthma is found to have existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service. The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is first documented many years after the Veteran's separation from service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for squamous cell carcinoma of neck and tonsil, as well as additional dental disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to service or any other relevant exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and COPD were denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death (lung cancer) was not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and bullous emphysema were not incurred in service due to exposure to nitrogen tetroxide fumes, but rather was caused by his long-term cigarette smoking. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran died in his home from COPD, but the appellant is not entitled to a plot or interment allowance as he was not buried in a national cemetery and there are no service-connected conditions for which burial benefits can be provided.

The Board has determined that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted, as there is at least one probative medical opinion linking PTSD to the development and/or worsening of AAA, which contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that further review of the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is necessary due to an insufficient VA examiner opinion and outstanding VA treatment records. The case is being remanded for a supplemental opinion from the VA examiner.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability was not related to service, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's current COPD is related to his military service, including his reported URI and pharyngitis. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining information about the Veteran's asbestos exposure during service and after service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen any of these claims. The Veteran was also denied a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema and COPD, as well as his claim for an increased rating for cholecystectomy. The evidence did not show a nexus between current diagnoses of these conditions and any incident of service.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected condition for the claimed disabilities and denied all claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleeping problems, hypertension, bronchitis, COPD, and intestine problems are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current chronic lung disorder, diagnosed as COPD/chronic bronchitis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema, COPD, and hyperplasia of the prostate. The claims were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially to his death, which was caused by a hip fracture resulting from nightmares related to the PTSD.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's prostate cancer contributed substantially or materially to his death.