COPD decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestos exposure/asbestosis and a back disorder were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's currently manifested respiratory abnormalities, including COPD, are not shown to be related to asbestos exposure or any other event in service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder which began in service or is etiologically related to active service. The claim for sarcoidosis will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his mental incapacity, requiring care at home for safety reasons. The Board grants SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no service connection for COPD could be granted as there is no evidence linking it to asbestos exposure or any other service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer is due to sun exposure during his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for COPD and residuals of a cold injury are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and pulmonary hypertension as secondary to chronic atrial fibrillation, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to active service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lung disability, including pneumonia and COPD, is being remanded for additional development to include a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of his claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and a respiratory disorder, including COPD due to withdrawal by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Board denied service connection for thyroid and pulmonary disorders due to ionizing radiation exposure during active duty, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's COPD and emphysema, status post lung transplant were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's lung disorder is not shown to be due to a disease or injury in-service, and the Board finds that service connection for his lung disorder is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is not related to his service, including exposure to asbestos, lead-based paint, and chemicals. The preponderance of evidence supports this conclusion.

The Veteran's current respiratory disability, claimed as COPD/emphysema, is etiologically related to his genetic alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and the superimposed injury of exposure to lead paint, solvents, fuel fumes, dust, smoke and various chemicals during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung disability, including COPD and pleural plaquing, is related to his military service exposure to asbestos. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The VA determined that the Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was not incurred or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to hazardous inhalants during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and emphysema are not related to his service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the Board denied entitlement to cause of death benefits.