COPD decisions — 2016

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or substantially contribute to his development of COPD and/or emphysema, as evidenced by increased tobacco use. The Board finds this finding to be supported by the evidence.

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

The Board denied service connection for lung disabilities, bilateral wrist disability, bilateral thigh disability, and eye disability (cataracts) as there was no credible evidence of an in-service event or injury related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability did not have its onset during military service or is otherwise related to such service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran died due to congestive heart failure and ischemic cardiomyopathy, with other conditions contributing to his death. The Board found that these conditions were not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, COPD, and burn scars are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lung disorders. The decision is pending as it remains unclear whether any current lung disorder had its onset in service or is otherwise related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic renal insufficiency as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease. The other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's lung disability is service-connected, and the TBI residuals are rated based on their severity. The Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including a respiratory disorder other than sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed COPD did not begin during service, was not incurred in service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein due to exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner opined that the current COPD is less likely than not related to active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and clarifying the nature of his service connection requests.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current pulmonary disorder, including pleural thickening and COPD, is not related to his service or asbestos exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and an addendum opinion from a pulmonologist.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including lung infection and COPD, finding that no increase in his preexisting lung condition was shown during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have reasonably been shown to produce functional limitations that he has been unable to overcome, and the Board finds reasonable that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and sustaining employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, the Veteran's request for vocational rehabilitation services is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD was not incurred in or caused by his service, including as due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to schizophrenia, which provides a greater benefit than nonservice-connected death pension. The earlier effective date claim is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including sinusitis, rhinitis, and COPD, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.