COPD decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether COPD is related to asbestos exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, including discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). The VA examiner found that DLE did not contribute to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and throat cancer are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection between these conditions and his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The VA determined there was no reasonable possibility that the disabilities resulted from such exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and chronic bronchitis with residual bronchial asthma prior to January 15, 2016 did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 30 percent. The Board also found that he was able to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of his current respiratory conditions to active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, COPD, exudative pharyngitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The decision also addressed his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between any service-connected disability and the Veteran's death.

The Board is remanding the case to verify whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand at Korat RTAFB, which could potentially grant presumptive service connection for his cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung cancer was not related to his service, including exposure to ionizing radiation, herbicides, asbestos, or as secondary to his service-connected COPD.

The Veteran's service treatment records do not show a diagnosis or treatment for COPD. The most probative evidence does not establish the presence of current COPD, and there is no medical opinion linking any current respiratory disability to service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current respiratory disability, including COPD. The Veteran's service records show treatment for respiratory illnesses during his military service. However, due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, direct service connection may still be considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were not incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has determined that the case is not ready for appellate review and has been remanded to obtain additional medical records, address the Veteran's exposure claims, and provide a new examination.

The Veteran's lung condition, including COPD, is not service connected as due to toxic herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that PTSD did not contribute to or cause his death.

The Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder that had onset during active service or was caused by active service, to include exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for asbestosis, COPD, and asthma. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.