COPD decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service connection claim for COPD was denied. The Veteran received a 50% rating for his adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood prior to October 17, 2014, but the appeal for an increased rating after that date is still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, lower extremity radiculopathy, and respiratory disorder (COPD). The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders, including COPD and bronchitis, are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that these conditions did not have their clinical onset in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's urinary tract disorder and COPD, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic calcific and fibrotic scarring of the lung is granted, with COPD also considered as a current disability.,Service connection for COPD is denied. The preponderance of evidence fails to establish that the Veteran's diagnosed COPD is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding his conceded in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. For COPD, the Board finds additional development is needed as the VA examination was not conducted by a pulmonary specialist and further clarification on the relationship between the lung disorder and service is required.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and his representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's aboard-ship asbestos exposure during service was minimal, and thus insufficient to result in current diagnoses of the claimed respiratory disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for pancreatic cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2, and hypertension. The right elbow disability claim is reopened but the issue remains pending as new evidence does not establish a direct causal link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has prevented him from working, but he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lung condition claim is being remanded due to the need for updated VA and/or private treatment records indicating a diagnosis of lung cancer.

The Veteran's service connection claims for refractive error, coronary artery disease, lumbar spine disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been denied. The claim for increased rating of PTSD has also been denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have onset in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical inquiry and an addendum report from the July 2016 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination in relation to the Veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema/COPD. The appellant and her representative are requested to provide additional argument after the issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is granted, as it is found to be aggravated by his service-connected silicosis. The effective date of the special monthly compensation based on housebound status remains pending and will be determined after a hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and chronic bronchitis are less likely related to his military service, including exposure to burning oil wells. The examiner concluded that these conditions were more likely due to long-term cigarette smoking.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's disability manifested by cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea on exertion to include as due to an undiagnosed illness. The claim for COPD was withdrawn by the Veteran.