COPD decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from the February 2016 VA examiner.

The Veteran's service treatment records show he was treated for sinus conditions during his active duty, but no current chronic sinus disability has been established.,VA is required to determine if the Veteran's asbestosis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, singly or jointly with some other condition, were not the immediate or underlying cause of death or etiologically related thereto; nor did they contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's cause of death.,Cancer was first shown years post-service and is not shown to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current respiratory conditions are related to service, caused by or aggravated by his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's COPD and left lower extremity phlebitis are rated at the maximum available disability levels, with no additional issues warranting higher ratings. The COPD is rated at 60 percent prior to November 13, 2014, while the left lower extremity phlebitis is rated at 40 percent prior to May 7, 2015.

The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected respiratory disability, to include COPD and asthma. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to ensure there is a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim.

The Board has remanded the case for an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lung/breathing disabilities, including COPD and emphysema. The Veteran is not presumed to have a service-connected condition due to exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for respiratory disabilities, including lung cancer and COPD, which he contends are related to his exposure to burn pits during military service. The VA has been directed to obtain updated treatment records and provide an opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection due to a lack of an addendum opinion from the physician who provided the October 2015 opinion regarding whether any diagnosed respiratory disorder is related to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was reopened and granted. His bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, his PTSD with MDD is rated at 70% prior to June 15, 2010, and he is entitled to a TDIU rating prior to that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability (COPD) and heart condition were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of a chronic disability for many years after service. The Board also noted that the current conditions are more likely related to post-service occupational exposures.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's substantive appeal was not timely filed in response to the April 2009 statement of the case, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD disability. The claim will be further developed and reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service, including noise exposure. The claim for service connection for lung disease (claimed as COPD) is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, COPD, and CAD. The evidence did not establish direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD had not improved to a degree warranting a reduction from 100% to 30%, and thus restored his original 100% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and COPD, are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence showing a connection between these conditions and his active duty service.,Specifically, the August 2016 VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's claimed conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, leading to its dismissal.