COPD decisions — 2012

The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected and denied DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of asbestosis or other asbestos-related conditions, and the Veteran's COPD is not related to service-connected exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD and any current residuals of burns on his neck and shoulders, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including COPD and asthma, were not caused by his military service but rather resulted from many years of smoking.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, emphysema with COPD, and high blood pressure. The claim for increased rating of right leg varicose veins was also denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by end stage renal disease, which is considered service-connected.,The Veteran also had other conditions such as COPD and peripheral vascular disease that contributed to his death.

The Veteran's COPD and TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, as well as potential development of other records.

The VA determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, was not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, COPD, and spinal stenosis with lumbar radiculopathy, bilateral lower extremities are being remanded to the RO due to procedural issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA hospital care and treatment, thus denying the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is related to his tobacco use and not service, resulting in a denial of the claim.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic colon adenocarcinoma and hepatic abscess, with COPD listed as a contributory factor. Service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The VA medical opinion determined that the cause of the Veteran's death (pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure, and emphysema) was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities. The examiner also found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims for left knee strain, anterior cruciate ligament injury and tendon injury, and respiratory/pulmonary disabilities are inextricably intertwined with the current appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, COPD, connective tissue disease with high fevers, and skin disorder with scars, were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and lung cancer, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service or any service-connected disability.