COPD decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for COPD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lung disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is being remanded due to its inextricability with the rating of COPD.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 12, 1991, for the assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not related to service, including asbestos exposure in service or to service-connected pleural plaques.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and CHF, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and in-service asbestos exposure or any other service-connected condition. The Board also found that direct service connection could not be granted due to tobacco use.

The Veteran's service connection claim for asthma is granted. The Board finds that the currently diagnosed asthma is related to in-service episodes of asthma and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The appellant is also requested to submit any outstanding non-VA medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and caused by smoking, which was a form of self-medication for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is related to his in-service exposure to asbestos, and thus service connection for COPD is granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accident, hypercholesterolemia, a disability manifested by left eye pain (phacomorphic glaucoma), and a disability manifested by blurring of vision (phacomorphic glaucoma) as well as hypertension. The claims were not reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including adenocarcinoma of the lung and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The decision also addressed issues related to fatigue, polycystic kidney disease, varicocele of the left testicle, epididymitis of the right testicle, and bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. No effective dates were assigned.

The Board found that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum allowable rate for pension purposes as of November 1, 2009 and terminated his nonservice-connected improved disability pension benefits effective that date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, including as due to asbestos exposure and/or diesel exhaust exposure. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for an appropriate VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lung disabilities are related to his service or any exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right knee disorder is withdrawn. The claims of service connection for left knee and lung disorders are denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred during active duty or due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals in September 2014, leaving no issues for the Board to decide.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities, including asthma and COPD, are not related to his service or a service-connected disability. The Board found no evidence of chronic respiratory issues during service and concluded that any current conditions are more likely due to smoking.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's breathing disorder is not service-connected, and his claims for higher ratings for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, diabetic foot ulcers, and erectile dysfunction are denied. The Veteran also failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish an extraschedular rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new PFT report and an addendum opinion from the July 2012 VA examiner. The Veteran's representative contends that he uses oral or parenteral corticosteroid medications and oral bronchodilators to treat his respiratory disorder.