COPD decisions — 2015

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, type II diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease due to exposure to herbicides. The COPD claim is pending as the evidence does not establish a direct relationship with service.,Tinnitus was found to be less likely caused by service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for COPD (claimed as asthma). The Veteran's continued assertion that his preexisting respiratory condition was aggravated by military service was before the RO at the time of the February 1998 decision and is therefore cumulative.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is directly related to service, and grants service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current state of his service-connected dermatitis, clarify the May 2014 VA examiner's opinion regarding his lung condition, and determine if there are any residuals from his head injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records and an incomplete examination. The Veteran's lung condition, including COPD and cough variant asthma, is being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Veteran's medical expenses at Samaritan Medical Center from December 1, 2011 to December 8, 2011 are now covered by VA. The earlier claim for November 11-14, 2011 expenses is already granted.

The Veteran's unauthorized emergency room treatment for acute respiratory failure, CHF, and COPD at Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis, Ohio is denied as he has a health-plan contract with Medicare that extinguishes part of his liability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including COPD and throat disability, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent, effective November 1, 2008. The increased evaluation for the right shoulder is granted.,The Veteran's endometriosis claim has been reopened and service connection is granted.,The Veteran's hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, sleep disorder, vision disorder, and respiratory disability are not service-connected.,The Veteran meets criteria for a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's combined nonservice-connected disability rating is 80%, which does not meet the requirement for housebound benefits. The Board finds that he is not substantially confined to his home or immediate premises due to permanent disabilities, and thus, does not qualify for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastasis of liver cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Board has ordered additional development to clarify the diagnosis, determine if there is a relationship between service and the Veteran's conditions, and assess whether his alcoholism contributed to his death. These issues are inextricably intertwined with the claim for burial benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for COPD is granted. An additional VA medical opinion is needed to address the etiology of any other diagnosed intestinal disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that his current condition does not meet the criteria for service connection based on asbestos exposure or any other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, were not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against finding entitlement to service connection for these conditions on any basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's current doctor and providing an addendum to the VA examiner's report.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and insufficient medical opinion to establish a link between any diagnosed condition and service or exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of COPD and asthma are not related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including pulmonary emphysema and COPD due to asbestos exposure is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and personnel information related to the Veteran's service connection claims.