COPD decisions — 2011

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and chemical scarring of the lungs. The case is being remanded to verify exposure to potentially hazardous agents during service and to obtain a VA medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for asthma. The Veteran's insomnia with disrupted sleep architecture was also considered, but there is no direct evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD. The Veteran's private physician provided an opinion linking his current respiratory condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, to include hypertension, has been granted.,Service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has also been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as secondary to PTSD. However, further examination is needed to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's COPD and his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not show a relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board found that none of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and asbestosis, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service or any incident therein.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung disability, diagnosed as COPD, is not related to his service or exposure to asbestos during active duty. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the COPD is caused by an extensive smoking history and unrelated to any potential asbestos exposure during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, a disability related to disease or injury in service, or any due to asbestos and radiation exposure. The cause of death was listed as acute respiratory failure with hypotension due to chronic obstructive airway disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with asthma did not have its onset during service and is not attributable to any event, injury, or disease during service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The case will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD have been granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's respiratory disabilities other than pleurisy, including bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, asthma, tuberculosis in remission and sleep apnea are causally related to his active service. The left ear hearing loss is not compensable.

The Veteran's lung condition, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to his military service, particularly exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected amebic lung infection, with residual scarring, adhesions, and fibrosis of the left lower lung, is rated at 60 percent. The decision also acknowledges that his COPD is not service-connected but contributes to his overall disability picture.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Veteran's heart disorder (claimed as atrial flutter, with diagnoses of underlying ischemic heart disease/CAD) is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.,Service connection for emphysema is denied because the condition is not shown to be related to diabetes mellitus or any other service-connected disability.,The Veteran's right eye blurred vision is found to be a refractive error (myopia) and not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected post gastrectomy syndrome and hepatitis did not contribute to his death from a stroke. The VA medical opinions concluded that COPD, which was severe and contributed to his malnutrition and cachexia, more likely caused his stroke.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD, was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by his military service.