COPD decisions — 2013

The Veteran's COPD was not related to his service, and he is currently rated at the 20 percent for left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the nature of urban environmental exposures. The Veteran's COPD is being evaluated in light of potential service connection based on exposure to dioxin and toxic paint fumes.

The Veteran's COPD and asthma are related to in-service environmental exposures, including poor air quality in Berlin during service. The Board finds that the reasonable doubt created by conflicting medical opinions is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that there is a reasonable possibility that a VA medical opinion would aid in substantiating the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is therefore being remanded to obtain such an opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA examination and failure to consider certain medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and obtaining any outstanding medical records. The claims for service connection for COPD and kidney disability must also be remanded as they are not currently addressed in the rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, clarification of evidence, and consideration of new medical opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic bronchitis and chronic lung disease to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not related to his service, including any exposure to asbestos or other harmful substances.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed COPD is not related to active service. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have not been met.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claims of service connection for skin cancer, fatigue, sleep disturbance, short term memory loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and emphysema.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD due to herbicide exposure is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of additional medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and readjudication. The first issue is whether he should be granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance prior to August 1, 2012. The second issue is seeking an earlier effective date for a 100 percent disability rating for his service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a respiratory disorder, to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and emphysema are being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of his service records and VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied. The RO awarded service connection for COPD with a 100% evaluation effective November 4, 2011 and granted an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. However, the issue of TDIU is on hold as it requires further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD, is not causally or etiologically related to service. The claim for service connection of a respiratory disorder is denied.

The Veteran's lung disorders are not considered to be related to his active service, including exposure to asbestos. The Board has determined that the current lung conditions are more likely due to smoking.

The Board determined that the Appellant's preexisting asthma existed prior to his entry into active service and was not aggravated by military service. The Board also found no evidence of COPD being caused or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing an addendum to a previous VA examiner's opinion.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder or COPD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.