COPD decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities did not begin in service or until many years after service, and are not linked to any established in-service injury, disease, or event. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be related to his in-service asbestos exposure, and service connection for COPD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records related to the Veteran's pulmonary disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from multi-lobular pneumonia, which was caused by MRSA and COPD. The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and smoking were more likely the primary causes of his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bronchitis, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Capital Regional Medical Center and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital were denied as the treatment was not for an emergency situation, and VA facilities were reasonably available.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the AOJ after necessary verification of exposure and completion of an examination.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 10, 2009 for the assignment of a 60 percent rating for bronchial asthma with COPD and emphysema was denied as there is no evidence showing he met the criteria for a 60 percent rating prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including chronic pneumonia and COPD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an addendum opinion from a pulmonologist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, claimed as COPD and asbestosis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure history during service.

The Veteran's interstitial lung disease, diagnosed as asbestosis, is found to be related to in-service asbestos exposure. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic small cell lung cancer, COPD, and emphysema. The cause of these conditions is not service-connected or related to any exposure to herbicides during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his respiratory disorder is related to service and whether he has hypertension or lumbar strain. The claim for anxiety disorder will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to attend his scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right foot gunshot wound residuals did not worsen during service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic pulmonary disorder, including COPD and restrictive respiratory disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claim is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and service.

The Board has ordered a new VA respiratory examination to address the Veteran's contentions of in-service exposure to exhaust fumes and its impact on his breathing issues. The case is remanded for further development.

The case is being remanded for further development to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is related to exposure to Agent Orange or asbestos in service, or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is not related to service, including as secondary to asbestos exposure and service-connected asbestos-related pleural disease with fibrosis.