COPD decisions — 2011

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not meet the legal requirements for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for a right lung disorder manifested by lesions/granulomas, and denied for the other conditions listed. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for lung disability, including COPD and asthma. The issues also include secondary service connection for hypertension and heart disability. The case must be remanded to obtain a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence for the COPD claim.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that his service-connected psychiatric disability did not play a role in his fatal cardiac and lung disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD/lung condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private medical records, SSA records, and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his chronic hypertension, colon disorder, and pulmonary disorder.

The Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's current lung conditions to his in-service asbestos exposure, and thus service connection for a lung condition cannot be established.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's COPD is related to his service, specifically to asbestos exposure during his active duty in the Merchant Marine. The RO will now determine if there are any additional available records regarding the Veteran's asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestosis, asthma, COPD, and a left wrist ganglionectomy, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that a chronic respiratory disability other than COPD/emphysema, to include chronic asthma or asbestosis, did not have its onset during active military service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's COPD with asthma is found to have begun in service and continues today, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory/pulmonary disorder, including as a result of exposure to asbestos. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and T12 compression fracture, service connection for migraine headaches, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim to reopen a COPD claim is referred to the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus due to noise exposure during service. However, the lung disability (COPD and asthma) is not linked to service or asbestos exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's current pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to include bronchitis, and residuals of pneumonia were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including asbestosis, pleural plaques, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical records and a more definitive VA opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis contributed to his immobility, which led to the pneumonia that caused his death. The Board finds this evidence sufficient to grant service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.