COPD decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of the date and accuracy of his pulmonary function test results, as well as additional development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The penis laceration scar was rated at 10%, the anal fissure as a residual of a puncture wound to the left buttock was not compensable, tinnitus was granted, COPD with history of pneumonia was granted, and low back disorder was not granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's cause of death, COPD, was not service-connected due to direct or presumed exposure. Lung cancer is not established as a result of service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability were granted. The lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and emphysema. The remaining issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, compensable rating for hearing loss, and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma with COPD is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC values.

The Veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to her conditions, including chronic obstructive airway disease, COPD, morbid obesity, osteoarthritis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, macular degenerative, and glaucoma. She requires assistance with activities such as transferring, walking, climbing stairs, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, and taking her medications.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and asbestosis have been rated at various levels of disability throughout the appeal period. The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support higher ratings for any portion of this time frame.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including a heart disorder, psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), stroke residuals, and respiratory disorder (COPD). The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any other relevant factors.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lung disorder, claimed as due to asbestos exposure. The claim is being remanded for additional development including an examination and review of records.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to have been incurred in service, with doubt resolved in his favor. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and respiratory disorders (COPD and residuals of pneumonia), which are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's emphysema is not related to his service, including his exposure to asbestos, but rather to his long history of smoking tobacco.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and hypertension were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected metatarsalgia with pes planus. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received for bilateral hearing loss, and additional development is needed for other issues.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that his current respiratory disability is more likely than not aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's death was attributed to pulmonary embolism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The VA examiner concluded that the cause of death is not related to service-connected conditions or Agent Orange exposure, but a new medical opinion is needed based on an accurate understanding of the Veteran's employment history.