COPD decisions — 2015

The Veteran's current diagnoses of COPD and asbestosis are found to be secondary to asbestos exposure during his Navy service. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's esophageal and base of tongue cancers, as well as his coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, were not related to his service. The appellant's leukoplakia in-service was considered unrelated to these later diagnosed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD is related to his exposure to environmental hazards during service, specifically asbestos and lead paint. As such, the claim of service connection for COPD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected right hand disability and his cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder and respiratory condition are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed lung disorders, specifically chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and pneumoconiosis, are related to the in-service exposure to asbestos. As such, service connection for a lung disorder is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had a low back disorder incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition. The respiratory disorder, including asbestosis and/or COPD, was not due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has vacated the July 17, 2013 decision denying service connection for asbestosis or other respiratory disorder, including COPD, as a residual of exposure to asbestos due to the Veteran's death. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and lung nodule, to include as secondary to asbestos exposure is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is not related to service exposure and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and COPD to the AOJ for additional development due to a hearing request.

The Veteran's COPD has been rated at 30 percent since October 4, 2013. The VA examinations conducted in June 2014 and May 2015 showed FEV-1 results of 49% and 50%, respectively, with FEV-1/FVC results of 63% and 58%. These test results are considered the most accurate representation of his disability level. The Veteran's COPD does not warrant a higher evaluation as it does not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development and adjudication due to the need to determine if service connection is warranted for COPD, which may affect the rating assigned for the Veteran's respiratory disability. The TDIU claim will also be considered in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Veteran's asthma is being reviewed, as are his claims for COPD and sleep apnea. The Board has determined that a remand is required to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of pneumonia, to include asthma and COPD, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, including emphysema and chronic asthma, due to exposure to welding and diesel exhaust during service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bronchitis, COPD, and recurrent pneumonia based on in-service exposure to smoke, gases, and fumes during the July 1967 fire onboard the USS Forrestal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is related to his service exposure to asbestos. The appeal for service connection is granted.