COPD decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and arteriosclerotic heart disease were denied as there was no evidence to support these conditions being related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, inguinal and cervical lymphadenopathy, GBS, and residuals of an upper respiratory infection to include COPD. The issues were remanded multiple times but ultimately denied due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not service-connected, as it was attributed to cigarette smoking. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids has been granted. Service connection for a respiratory disorder (claimed as asthma, bronchitis and COPD) is also granted. The left knee disorder and low back disorder are not service connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his COPD to asbestos exposure in service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the appellant's claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's current lung disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, are related to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has ordered additional development to assess the Veteran's current pulmonary disorder and whether it is related to service, including asbestos exposure. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and gastroesophageal ge junction adenocarcinoma are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's lung disorders, including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, are being remanded for additional development to determine their relationship to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. Right lung pain and halitosis are also being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, a VA examination, and consideration of the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and examinations, including those related to the Veteran's treatment at Dr. Patel's office and VA clinics.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused or aggravated by service, nor did any service-connected disability cause, aid, lend assistance to, or hasten the production of death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed respiratory disorder is related to active duty service or exposure to asbestos and/or ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference or Travel Board hearing at the local RO in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, and COPD as they were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing another VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the appeals for service connection for COPD, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurism.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD contributed to his death, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic obstructive sleep apnea, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to his military service or exposure to asbestos.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection of COPD. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, it is found that his currently diagnosed COPD is causally related to exposure to aviation fuel during service.