COPD decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, essential tremors, and a pulmonary disorder due to lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, including asbestosis and COPD, did not have its onset during service or was caused by his military service, specifically exposure to asbestos. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which was not service-connected at the time of his death and is not presumed to be related to exposure to herbicides. The Board denied DIC benefits and burial benefits as there was no service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to address the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as a review of any indications of chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected respiratory disability is being remanded due to the lack of a September 2012 VA examination report and the need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence had not been received. The Board recharacterized the issues based on relevant case law, but did not address the merits of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for COPD and infectious hepatitis were denied as he failed to appear at scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran was granted service connection for asthma and COPD, finding that these conditions are directly related to his military service.,Service connection was denied for a heart condition and joint condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's COPD is related to service, and additional treatment records are requested.

The Veteran's death was caused by lung cancer with COPD, which were not service-connected conditions. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death but denied DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

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

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from Dr. W.D.G. at Sr. Nursing and Rehab Center.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected asbestosis. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to incomplete VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's COPD and sleep apnea were not shown to have onset during service or be related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than anxiety disorder, sarcoidosis, and COPD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and psoriasis, both of which are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during his service in Vietnam. The Board found insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.