COPD decisions — 2015

The Veteran's IBS was found to have its onset during service and granted service connection prior to December 5, 2011.,Service connection for TBI (headaches) is granted. The Veteran reported experiencing these symptoms since an in-service incident.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The primary issues are seeking service connection for COPD and an increased rating for right knee replacement.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and the relationship between his in-service symptoms and his death from COPD and emphysema. The appellant is seeking service connection for the cause of her husband's death, which was attributed to COPD and emphysema.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal cancer and COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The appellant is not recognized as the surviving spouse for DIC benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung condition, including COPD with emphysema, is not related to his service or exposure to asbestos. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that a supplemental medical opinion is needed to address the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for COPD as due to in-service asbestos exposure. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and COPD due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's service treatment records, including those related to respiratory issues, were not considered in forming the opinions.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's death was caused by a disability related to service, including exposure to contaminated ground water at Camp Lejeune. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's current lung disability is related to his service-connected bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and whether he was exposed to asbestos during service. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the severity of his lung disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic lung disease, including asbestosis, COPD, and asthma was granted. The exposure basis is presumed based on asbestos exposure in service.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current respiratory condition and in-service exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD, hypertension, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are secondary to his service-connected residuals of PTB. The claim for colon cancer is denied as there was no chronic disease in service or continuous symptoms after service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The issue of service connection for interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma related to asbestos exposure is also pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his service.

The Board has decided that the case needs further development and remands it to the AOJ for additional development of records, including SSA disability benefits determination and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for reopening his claim of service connection for COPD is withdrawn. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability remains pending, but the RO must provide an adequate VA examination to determine if any current right or left knee disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical opinions and clarifying the status of private treatment records. The primary issue is whether the Veteran's COPD was caused by his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, including his exposure to asbestos. The cause of death listed on the amended death certificate (COPD) is not related to service or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for tinea manus and pedis, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a respiratory disability including COPD, asthma, and dyspnea are all granted. The respiratory disability claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding insecticide exposure.