COPD decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including headaches, COPD and Pickwickian syndrome, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, arthritis of the neck, arthritis of the legs (claimed as knees), arthritis of the back, arthritis of the shoulders, an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic liver disease, and a heart condition. The claims were denied based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran has tinnitus that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding an in-service onset of tinnitus to be credible and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disability did not have an onset during active service and is not the result of an event, injury or disease incurred during active service.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded for further development to determine if it was caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD. The issue of scar tissue of the lungs is also being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to service, as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of its onset during service or due to asbestos exposure. The pre-existing asthma did not aggravate beyond its natural progression in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for breathing problems and a psychiatric disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claim of service connection for breathing problems.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is REMANDED due to a lack of recent VA examination and treatment records, as well as potential need for additional rating assignments.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and clarifying a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's asbestosis and COPD.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for COPD and headaches, as well as de novo adjudication of the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) and a left knee disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his service-connected right knee chondromalacia.

The Veteran's preexisting respiratory disability, currently diagnosed as asthma and COPD, was aggravated by his period of active duty. Service connection for the respiratory disability is granted.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities and his active military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided the case should be remanded for additional development of records and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and hepatitis are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The claim for service connection for COPD was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence submitted. However, the claim for COPD remains denied as there is no current disability found. The claim for bilateral hearing loss also remains denied.

The Veteran is found to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, and therefore qualifies for special monthly compensation based on that need.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist condition, diagnosed as CTS, is not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a current back disability related to the Veteran's active service.,The Veteran's COPD is not service-connected.