COPD decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination by a pulmonologist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and back disorders, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to service or any exposure in service.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to February 26, 2013, and in excess of 40 percent from that date, for bilateral hearing loss. The service connection for COPD with pneumonia was properly severed due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the original grant of service connection. The Veteran's respiratory functioning resulting from COPD with pneumonia did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6604.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD, vision problems (including cataracts and retinal drusen), and right knee condition are not attributable to his active duty service. As such, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his in-service treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying medical opinions regarding his respiratory disorder and acne with scarring.

The Board has granted service connection for a thyroid disorder (non-toxic adenoma of the thyroid, euthyroid) and denied service connection for respiratory and left flank skin disorders based on exposure to radiation during military service.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to service connection for COPD and shortness of breath, as well as initial evaluations for hypertension, chalazions on both eyelids, right elbow bursitis, and left elbow tendonitis. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding whether COPD is caused or aggravated by service-connected asthma. The Veteran will also be provided notice on how to substantiate a claim for service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The Veteran requested such a hearing in April 2010, but was notified at an undeliverable address and did not appear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service symptoms or treatment for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues include service connection for various respiratory and immune system conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including COPD, and the cause of his death. The VA has not obtained all relevant medical records and will need to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied. His PTSD and Parkinson's disease were granted with a 70% rating, effective from January 20, 2010.

The Board found the Veteran's COPD and thoracolumbar spine disorder are not related to his active service.,Competent medical evidence is against a finding that the Veteran currently has these conditions as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's cause of death, COPD, was not found to be service-connected. The Board determined that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that COPD resulted from service or any other condition related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his obstructive sleep apnea and whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for COPD and a bilateral eye disorder.