COPD decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause his death, but it contributed to the development of his COPD. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD and emphysema, was not caused by his active service. The disorder is more likely related to his long-standing history of smoking tobacco.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA physician's opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD/emphysema, an initial evaluation in excess of 60 percent for asbestosis, and entitlement to TDIU were denied. The claim for PTSD was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder is not related to his active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current breathing difficulties are due to his non-service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not his service-connected inactive tuberculosis. As a result, he is not entitled to a compensable rating for his service-connected tuberculosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of severe emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence showing a connection between these conditions and his military duties. The preponderance of the evidence supports this conclusion.

The Board denied service connection for respiratory disability (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal myocardial infarction was caused by his service-connected COPD, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address whether any respiratory and/or pulmonary disabilities are related to service, specifically in-service exposure to asbestos and diesel fumes. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD substantially or materially contributed to his death from respiratory failure due to COPD. The Board finds that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death must be granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

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

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The case will be reviewed after further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for chronic bronchitis/COPD. The Veteran's claim was previously denied in September 2005 due to lack of new and material evidence, and no further reopening is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea are not related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable disability rating for pleural plaques, claimed as asbestos-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is being remanded due to unclear diagnoses and the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD, due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided.