COPD decisions — 2016

The VA determined that the Veteran's COPD is not related to his active duty service, including exposure to asbestos or herbicides. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the Veteran’s current lung condition to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of asthma and COPD, finding that new medical opinions support a link to asbestos exposure in service. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's COPD and Asthma are not service-connected, as they were likely caused by his smoking history rather than any in-service events or conditions. The preexisting asthma is also not considered to have been aggravated during ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's claims for lung cancer, COPD, diabetes and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is service-connected due to its aggravation by in-service exposures, including sandstorms and burning oil wells. The issue of whether his CAD was aggravated by his now service-connected COPD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's respiratory disability began in or is related to his active service, including consideration of symptoms during field exercises. Additional VA treatment records and a new medical opinion are needed.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are not service-connected, as they were more likely caused by his long history of smoking. The PTSD claim was denied as well.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records of in-service chemical exposure and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability records. The case will be reviewed again after the development is completed.

The VA determined that the Veteran's COPD is not related to his service, specifically his in-service asbestos exposure. The medical evidence supports a conclusion that the Veteran's COPD was more likely caused by his long history of cigarette smoking.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and to obtain treatment records from Dr. Bagarinao.

The Veteran's throat cancer is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in service.,The Veteran's breathing problems are not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic eye disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), COPD, emphysema, a chronic lung disability based on asbestos exposure, residuals of a back injury, IBS, or a psychosis in service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking any claimed conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed COPD and asthma are not etiologically related to any incident of active service, including pneumonia during service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his respiratory disorders, including COPD. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a back disorder remains inextricably intertwined with the current claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD has been reopened, but the evidence does not establish a direct link between his current condition and military service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity vasculitis have also been reopened. The evidence does not provide a clear link to service.

The Veteran's currently demonstrated COPD is shown to be etiologically related to his active military service, and the Board has found that the available medical evidence of record concerning the onset of the Veteran's COPD is in relative equipoise. Service connection for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, COPD, asthma, a spine disability, radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Board has remanded these issues due to missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's current respiratory disability is not shown to be related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board finds that the claim of service connection for a respiratory disability is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back disability, COPD, and hypertension. The claims are being remanded for further action.