COPD decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA negligence or error, and thus denied service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for residuals of bilateral collapsed lungs and chest scars were denied. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating (10%) for his chest scars.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD and rheumatoid arthritis due to additional development being required, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his low back injury and COPD.

The Veteran's low back disability and COPD qualify for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, effective March 31, 1998.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's COPD is related to his military service, including exposure to chemicals and/or asbestos. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not caused by or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of in-service complaints and a VA examination report. The Veteran's COPD claim is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's asthma and COPD were manifested by at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations from April 26, 1999 to January 1, 2001. The disability was rated as 60 percent disabling during this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for an examination by a pulmonologist or internal medicine doctor. The appellant is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for COPD and lung scarring, which he claims resulted from inadequate VA treatment in May 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for further development, including in-service hospital records and post-service medical treatment records. The appeal is pending until these issues are resolved.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver is not service-connected as it was caused by alcohol use, and his obesity and COPD are not related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, entitlement to DIC under § 1318, and entitlement to DEA benefits have been denied.

The Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, by an injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The causes of death listed on his death certificate are not service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lung disability is not related to service, specifically his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's current pulmonary fibrosis and COPD are not related to his in-service URI, and denied service connection for a pulmonary disease.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory disability is related to his service or his service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be proximately due to his service-connected residuals of pneumonia, and the claim for service connection is granted. The other claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA medical and surgical treatment, and the appellant is denied DIC benefits. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability resulting from coronary artery bypass graft and heart valve replacement is also denied.