COPD decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, were not incurred or aggravated by military service due to exposure to jet fuel and/or cold weather. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are more likely related to his long-term smoking habit.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his service and may not be presumed to have been. The claims for a respiratory disorder including COPD as a residual of exposure to asbestos, and obstructive sleep apnea were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his respiratory disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and pulmonary function testing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD and sleep apnea, which are currently service-connected conditions. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current conditions are related to an in-service injury or event.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have asbestosis and his COPD is more likely related to his prolonged cigarette smoking, rather than service. Therefore, service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis and COPD, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected COPD contributed substantially to his death from septicemia due to diverticulitis. The decision grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service connected as it was first manifested within a year of active duty service and there is no evidence indicating it is due to an undiagnosed illness or exposure in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's CAD and COPD are not found to be related to his hypertension.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including his COPD and PTSD. The VA examiner found no direct correlation between the Veteran's asbestos exposure and his COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's COPD has not been manifested by FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 56 to 65 percent predicted. Therefore, the criteria for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for proper adjudication of the claims, including verifying exposure to herbicides and cleaning chemicals during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed respiratory disability and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding that his condition was caused by or aggravated by service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to the VA medical opinion stating that his hearing loss and tinnitus did not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for lung disorders/emphysema will be reconsidered.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for pulmonary fibrosis and the residuals of a low back injury. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD and asthma, did not develop as a result of his military service or any in-service exposure to chemicals, herbicides, or other elements. The fatty tumors of the lungs and other organs were also not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current COPD with asbestosis and heart disability and his military service. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.