COPD decisions — 2011

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for COPD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of COPD is not related to his in-service exposure to asbestos, as there was no evidence of respiratory complaints or a diagnosis during service. The Board concluded that the etiology of the Veteran's COPD is too complex an issue to be determined by lay opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied because there is no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran's current COPD is more likely related to occupational asbestos exposure and tobacco abuse following his military service.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, including asthma and bronchitis, is being remanded for further examination to determine its etiology. The claim will also be reviewed in light of the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and emphysema, is not service-connected due to a lack of evidence linking the condition to asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to his nicotine dependence and COPD, which were service-connected. The Board found that the tobacco use during service did not preclude service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's COPD and pleural plaques consistent with asbestosis are currently rated at 10 percent, effective September 19, 2005. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding no evidence of asbestos exposure in service and concluding that his current COPD is not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and denied increased ratings for the scar as a residual of left pneumothorax. The Veteran's COPD was found to be due to post-service asbestos exposure, but not related to his in-service left pneumothorax or any other service-connected condition.

The Board found no evidence of mustard gas or asbestos exposure during service, and the Veteran's current foot disorder and COPD/emphysema are not related to his active duty service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding chemical exposure and PTSD stressors.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma. The case is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The VA denied the claim for service connection for pulmonary/respiratory disability, including asbestosis, due to in-service asbestos exposure. The VA found that there was no objective evidence of asbestos exposure during ACDUTRA and that the appellant's diagnosed interstitial fibrotic changes are not related to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current respiratory disability related to service, including exposure to asbestos. The VA examinations did not support a finding of asbestosis or any other chronic lung disease due to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and asbestosis, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his military service and these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with prominent pain syndrome is considered to have caused him to use cocaine, which led to his death. The Board has determined that the Veteran's cocaine use was secondary to his service-connected depression.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic lung disease, including bronchitis, COPD, and asbestosis. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and seeking an examination.

The Veteran's conditions do not render him helpless or so nearly helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, nor are they substantially confining him to his house. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support the claim for special monthly compensation based upon the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.