COPD decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to technical difficulties with the hearing transcript. The Veteran will be scheduled for a new videoconference Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for a pulmonary disorder, to include COPD, sleep apnea, bronchitis, and asthma, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to jet fuel.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical history and inadequate opinions regarding lung and heart disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for asthma and COPD with history of pneumonia and bronchitis was denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is February 13, 2001 when he filed his initial claim.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of asbestosis or any other lung disorder related to his active duty service, including asbestos exposure. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of asbestosis and indicated that it was due to post-service occupational exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, respiratory disability, skin disability, and neck disability based on the Veteran's Persian Gulf War service. The right ear pain claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected pleural plaques and whether he has COPD. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have asbestosis and his lung disorder is related to his smoking history, not service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestos-related lung disease, including asbestosis, is related to his active service and exposure to asbestos. However, COPD is not etiologically related to his military service.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current heart disorder or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to his military service, including any asbestos exposure. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA pulmonology evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disorder and a rating increase for his traumatic cyst, chin condition. The Veteran was not granted service connection as there is no competent evidence showing a causal relationship between his current respiratory disorders and military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for various conditions are pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bronchiectasis and COPD are not related to his military service, particularly as there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disability in service or within one year post-service. The current manifestations of these conditions predate his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, residuals of a perforated nasal septum, and skin disability was denied as he does not have current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran's current conditions of nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, and hypertension do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are either not established or not related to his active service.,Service connection is granted for residuals of rib fractures with current symptoms but no causal link to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of pleurisy and COPD, as well as the claim for increased rating for left knee degenerative joint disease.