COPD decisions — 2011

The Veteran's widow is seeking service connection for her husband's death and increased rating for his tuberculosis. The claims are being remanded to consider the pending accrued benefits claim, which could potentially affect the cause of death determination.

The Veteran's lung disorder, to include COPD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board concluded an examination is not needed as the medical evidence indicates the Veteran's respiratory problems are attributable to his long-standing smoking habit.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 15, 2008 to March 30, 2010. His respiratory disorder (asthmatic bronchitis with COPD and bronchiectasis) has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure and causation. The AMC will request further details from the Veteran on his exposure history, clarify Dr. F.W.B.'s opinion, and schedule a VA compensation examination.

The VA has determined that the Veteran's service-connected COPD does not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current COPD and emphysema were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder as secondary to his service-connected paralysis of the left external popliteal nerve. The claim for residuals of pneumothorax, to include COPD is being reopened and will be addressed on remand.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is inadequate to determine whether the appellant is permanently and totally disabled, necessitating further examination. The case is therefore being remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted. The claims of service connection for osteoporosis and left ankle disability were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for kyphosis, degenerative disc disease and degenerative facet joint disease of the thoracic spine and lumbar spine with radiculopathy; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia; degenerative joint disease of the right hip; obstructive sleep apnea; and joint pain are being remanded for additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his respiratory capacity is related to his nonservice-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, including lung cancer and COPD, is not related to his service exposure to asbestos. Hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, GERD, sinusitis, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's claim for headaches was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II and eczema (claimed as rash/itching), are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The VA determined that the appellant's COPD did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, based on his May 2005 pulmonary function test results.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability, including asbestosis. The case is now remanded for further development, including scheduling of a VA examination.

The Veteran's death was due to congestive heart failure, with other significant conditions contributing to his death. The appellant seeks a plot or interment allowance for the burial of his father in a private cemetery. The appeal is remanded to obtain necessary documentation and review the claim.

The Board found that a lung disorder was not present during service, bronchiectasis did not manifest within one year of the Veteran's discharge from service, and there is no credible evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current lung disorder and his military service. Therefore, service connection for a lung disorder cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchitis and COPD necessitates use of intermittent systemic corticosteroid therapy, warranting a 60 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's death was attributed to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which the Board found not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service, including exposure to asbestos.