COPD decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a chronic respiratory disorder, as well as an increased rating for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The claim for service connection for decreased salivary secretions resulting in 'dry mouth' is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed COPD did not begin during or shortly after his period of honorable active duty service, and there is no evidence to suggest it was otherwise caused by his active service. As such, the claim for service connection for COPD is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened, and he was granted service connection for a left chest wound/rib condition, cellulitis of the legs, left lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, and a respiratory condition (COPD) effective April 27, 2012.

The Veteran died in January 2013 and was not service-connected for any condition at the time of his death. His burial benefits claim is denied as he did not meet the criteria for payment.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the claim to reopen his cause of death claim is denied.

The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Korea, and thus denied service connection for COPD, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as there was no additional disability and no causation, prior to reaching the issue of informed consent.

The Veteran's lung disability, claimed as emphysema due to exposure to fumes from airplane fuel in service, is being remanded for additional development including a supplemental opinion on the etiology of COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the advisory opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining VA cardiology treatment records from 2000 to 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected arthritis of dorsal vertebrae did not cause or contribute substantially or materially to his death, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, asthma and COPD. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service, including as secondary to service-connected PTSD or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's death was due to congestive heart failure, with COPD contributing as a significant condition. The cause of the Veteran's COPD is unclear and requires further investigation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records, notifying the Veteran of unavailability of service records, scheduling a VA examination, and ensuring proper notification of scheduled examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including verification of Vietnam service and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's COPD and asthma are being considered in relation to exposure to water purification chemicals and herbicides, including Agent Orange.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, but it is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left knee disability and residuals of pneumonia.

The Veteran's intestinal tract disorder, heart disorder, and respiratory disorder are not found to be related to his active service or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive respiratory condition, including COPD and emphysema, was not present during service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as due to tobacco use in service. New evidence from Dr. KS supports the reopening of the claim and suggests that the current COPD is less likely related to service exposure but more likely related to long-term smoking.