COPD decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection for COPD could be decided as the exposure basis was not provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, as secondary to herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not indicate a causal connection between the Veteran's current COPD and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's asbestosis does not more nearly approximate a degree of disability warranting a higher rating than the current 10 percent assigned.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claimed as lung condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD, thoracic outlet syndrome, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee disability. Additionally, VA medical opinions are required regarding these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied the remaining claims including residuals of a pilonidal cyst disability, esophageal cancer, COPD, and prostate disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left leg/calf disability. However, the claim remains denied as there is no evidence showing that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his active service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses from January 30, 2010 to February 3, 2010 were denied as VA facilities were available and the treatment was not for a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, minimal inactive, with COPD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 17, 2014.

The Veteran's COPD, heart disorder (CHF), and hypertension are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their relationship to service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder related to service, including asbestos exposure. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of asbestosis or any other asbestos-related condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for hypertension, blurred vision and/or cataracts, and a respiratory condition/COPD. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed lung disorders, including COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer, are related to his military service, including exposure to toxins during submarine duty.

The Board is requesting a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's cause of death was related to active service or a service-connected disability, specifically whether any service-connected condition aggravated the pneumonia that caused his death.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, and thus the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be related to service exposure, specifically herbicide exposure during his time in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of a chronic disease in service or continuity of symptoms after service. The Veteran did not have a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year of separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore, denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not causally related to his active duty service, specifically his asbestos exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that COPD was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a live videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection for tinnitus, COPD due to asbestos exposure, and increased rating for bilateral hearing loss are still pending.