COPD decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lung disorder, to include COPD, was not found to be causally or etiologically related to his service or exposure to herbicides used in support of the United States and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during his service from July 26, 1970 to July 26, 1971.

The Veteran's initial claim for COPD was granted in March 2009, with a 10% rating effective February 18, 1997. The RO increased the disability rating to 60% effective January 15, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, including COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, due to asbestos exposure. The decision is based on the VA examiner's opinion that the current lung disabilities are less likely caused by in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further consideration.

The Veteran's lung and colon cancers are not service-connected as they did not arise during his military service. The Board finds that the current diagnoses of COPD, lung cancer, and colon cancer do not have a direct link to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic bronchitis with COPD, frostbite injuries to both feet, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left hip arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss were granted effective September 27, 2002. His claim for tinnitus was granted effective August 17, 2006.

The Board found that COPD, hypertension, and basal cell carcinoma were not shown in service or for many years after service.,Any current conditions are unrelated to service or to a disease or injury of service origin, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board found no evidence of a lung disability related to herbicide exposure and concluded that the Veteran's current lung disabilities are due to smoking, which is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting an examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD due to asbestos exposure. The evidence submitted does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's lung disorder is not service-connected as due to herbicide or asbestos exposure. The Board found no evidence of a chronic lung disorder during service and concluded that the current COPD is more likely related to his reported history of chronic bronchitis.

The Veteran's COPD is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not show that his disability warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is found to be related to his military service and has been granted.

The Veteran's obstructive lung disease, diagnosed as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), was incurred during active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lung disease, including bronchitis, COPD, and asbestosis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed asthma is reasonably shown to have had its onset during his active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchitis are not service-connected due to being related to smoking, including tobacco use during service. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current respiratory disorder and that there was no evidence of asbestos exposure in service. As such, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disability is denied.