COPD decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for pulmonary asbestosis with asthma and COPD was denied. The current disability rating is maintained at 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current asthma and COPD were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, as there was clear and unmistakable evidence showing that the conditions pre-existed service.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic lung cancer, which is presumed to be due to his exposure to herbicides in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of the record, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The appeals are remanded to further develop and consider these claims.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not shown during active duty service, within one year of discharge, and are not related to service or toxic herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and a respiratory disability. The decision is unclear regarding whether new evidence was received to reopen the hypertension claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD were denied. The claim to reopen the previously denied lung disease with pneumonia was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a lung disorder that was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder related to service, including exposure to asbestos. The claim for service connection for COPD is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to his military service, including as due to asbestos exposure. The preponderance of evidence indicates that his COPD is more likely due to his long-term smoking history.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder (COPD) is not service-connected. The Veteran's left varicocele and prostatitis have been rated at 10 percent since March 2006, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is not related to his active service and therefore, service connection for the cause of death cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the probative and credible medical evidence is against finding a direct relationship between the Veteran's current lung disability and his military service, including exposure to asbestos. The Veteran's lung conditions are more likely due to his smoking history.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, specifically COPD. The Board has determined that additional medical evidence is needed and an examination should be provided to determine the etiology of any diagnosed pulmonary or respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and bronchitis due to asbestos exposure is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current lung disability and in-service asbestos exposure. The TDIU claim is also being held in abeyance pending resolution of the other claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred during or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to asbestos and other hazardous chemicals.