COPD decisions — 2016

The appellant is entitled to additional accrued benefits in the amount of $11,944.85 for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with her father's last illness.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary regarding the appellant's claims of exposure to herbicides and toxins, as well as obtaining medical opinions to clarify the Veteran's diagnosis and etiology.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for the cause of the Veteran's death, as the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether his service-connected PTSD contributed to his death.

The Veteran has a current lung disability, which is related to her history of smoking tobacco and not service. Service connection for the lung disorder due to asbestos exposure in service was denied as it did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a). The residuals of pubic fracture were found to have undergone a permanent worsening during service, warranting service connection. For the period from November 16, 2009, the Veteran's combined disability ratings meet the minimum combined rating criteria for eligibility for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have presumptive bronchiectasis or any asbestos-related disease. The Veteran has objective medical evidence of COPD in the form of emphysema, which was first shown many years following discharge from service and is more likely than not related to years of cigarette smoking and less likely than not related to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's cause of death, hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, was not service-connected. COPD, which contributed to his death, also did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that a rating in excess of 60 percent for residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bilateral partial lobectomies is not warranted.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for COPD, as it is less likely than not related to active service. The claims for back/spine disorder and bronchitis are being remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and asthma are service-connected due to herbicide exposure during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea is of service origin, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.,Service connection is also granted for COPD. The Board found that there was sufficient evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's DM is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lung disability, including emphysema and COPD, was not found to be related to his military service or any exposure during service. The Board determined that the current lung disorder is more likely due to the Veteran's smoking history.

The Veteran's post-operative lung hernia residuals have not been productive of respiratory disability, and his COPD is not caused or aggravated by service-connected post-operative lung hernia residuals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a respiratory disability other than pulmonary tuberculosis, to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary emphysema, or severe asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for COPD, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disability caused by or related to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of COPD in service and no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to his period of service. The claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD, asbestosis and pleural plaques, is being remanded for additional development due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and pleural plaques due to asbestos exposure is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining formal findings regarding his exposure history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not causally related to his active duty service, including his conceded exposure to herbicide in Vietnam. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the current COPD was caused by service.