COPD decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, Asthma, and bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim for tinnitus is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, asthma, and chronic bronchitis, including as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's emphysema and COPD have been aggravated by his service-connected residuals of histoplasmosis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a PFT and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any currently diagnosed pulmonary disorders are related to service or his service-connected chronic maxillary sinusitis.

The Board has been notified of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal for service connection of COPD, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current pulmonary disorder (to include COPD and emphysema) was not manifested in service or for many years thereafter. The record does not reflect exposure to asbestos, but there is presumed exposure to herbicides due to his service in Vietnam. Service connection for a pulmonary disorder (to include COPD and emphysema) is not warranted.

The Board is remanding the case to allow for a VA examination and further development regarding the Veteran's claimed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including exposure to coal dust during service.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of COPD is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active duty and there is no evidence linking the disability to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus began during his active military service and is related to noise exposure. The other claims have been dismissed as withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for congestive heart failure, deviated nasal septum, sinus disability, and COPD. The Board found no evidence of a chronic sinus disability during service and determined that any current sinus disability was not related to service. Service connection was also denied for COPD as the examiner opined it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's death was not related to his active duty service and he did not have any service-connected disabilities at the time of his death. Therefore, neither service connection for the cause of death nor DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability and addressing his in-service environmental exposure to fuel, gas, and fumes.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 13, 2014 for the assignment of a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected COPD. The Veteran's left ankle condition, low back injury, and sleep apnea are all found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of his respiratory disorder. The issue will also be addressed regarding whether his atrial fibrillation is secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issues of service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aortic aneurysm, and an enlarged prostate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left shoulder disorders were aggravated during active service, warranting service connection. The respiratory disorder was not shown to be related to service or asbestos exposure. The right foot disorder did not manifest within one year of discharge and arthritis is not present. Fibromyalgia was not shown to have manifested in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding private treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference or Travel Board hearing at the local RO in St Petersburg, Florida.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment at St. Elizabeth Medical Center from November 13, 2009 to November 24, 2009 are denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and the Veteran did not seek prior authorization.