COPD decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, as there was no evidence of any service-connected disability at the time of his death. The cause of death listed on his death certificate was COPD, which developed many years after service and was not related to any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed COPD is as likely as not related to his active military service, while there is no current evidence of asbestosis. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied.

The Veteran's lung disability, rated at 60 percent disabling, did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his functional impairment. The Board found the evidence insufficient to establish that he met the criteria for SMP based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left foot, and left ankle disorders are not related to his military service. The COPD claim is also denied as there is no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD and Asthma are related to her in-service sinus problems, which were aggravated by service. As such, these conditions are granted as service connected.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, service connection, and benefits related to various conditions. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development of Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for respiratory disease (claimed as COPD and asthma) and sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea). The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider these claims.

The Veteran's asthma has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since October 2009. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and restrictive lung disease are related to his in-service asbestos exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as it is not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during his military service, and there is no evidence that it resulted from exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's tobacco use is considered a factor in determining the cause of his COPD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lung disorder, including residuals of adenocarcinoma and COPD, is related to in-service asbestos exposure and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a follow-up opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection and TDIU have become moot.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to reconcile conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorder. The claim is now pending again.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a head injury, residuals of a right eye injury, and lung disability (claimed as COPD) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for issuance of an SOC regarding his request to reopen a claim for service connection for high cholesterol, and scheduling of his hearing.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining clarification and opinions from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for obstructive lung disorder, including bronchial asthma and COPD. The Board finds that remand is necessary to address whether the Veteran's COPD was first manifested in service or is otherwise related to service, including his intermittent asthma attacks during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's COPD is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected TB, and therefore grants service connection for COPD on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected nasal pharyngitis with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis has resulted in episodes of sinusitis requiring antibiotic treatment, but not radical surgery or repeated surgeries. His COPD and asthma are aggravated by his service-connected nasal condition. The Veteran is entitled to an increased evaluation for his nasal condition.