COPD decisions — 2014

The Veteran's right and left foot onychomycosis is service-connected.,COPD was not service-connected, as it did not begin during or due to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and PTSD, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service asbestos exposure or verified stressors. The Veteran was not exposed to asbestos during his naval service, and his reported stressors are not supported by the available records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for any of these disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed pulmonary disorders and sleep apnea are not related to her active service, including any potential asbestos exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed COPD, colon disability, and syncope are not related to his active service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a clarifying VA opinion and to adjudicate an inextricably intertwined claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to COPD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD with pulmonary fibrosis and a low back disability, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability and respiratory disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service, including as due to undiagnosed illness in Southwest Asia. The VA examiner concluded the disabilities are more likely related to cigarette smoking.

The Veteran's claims for COPD, fungus of the left hand, and onychomycosis with tinea pedis of the feet and right hand were denied. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.,There is no current diagnosis or evidence of a service-connected condition in any of the issues.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for sciatica, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), arthritis, ingrown toenails, breathing problems, and prostate condition. The VA examiners' opinions were based on a full reading of the Veteran's claims file, physical evaluations, and consideration of his lay statements.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA medical records, as well as arranging for a respiratory disorder examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability, hearing loss disability, and lung disability. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and left side radiculopathy caused by cervical strain are also under review.

The Veteran's claims for Parkinson's disease and hypertension were denied as they are not related to service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection was also denied for COPD due to insufficient evidence, and the case is being remanded for further examination.

The Board found that the appellant's left foot callous pre-existed his period of ACDUTRA and was not aggravated by service. The respiratory condition (COPD and Asthma) is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD, right knee disability, and right hip disability are not related to his period of active service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran does not have cancer of the larynx with lung scarring, or a respiratory disorder to include COPD and pulmonary fibrosis that was caused by his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and COPD, is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed respiratory disabilities. The issues include service connection for bronchitis, COPD, and asbestos-related disease, with no evidence of asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing VA treatment records and terminal hospitalization records, as well as a need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected tuberculosis and his death.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed COPD and chronic bronchitis are attributable to his period of active service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.