COPD decisions — 2017

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD, asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his lung disabilities. His claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also being remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and emphysema, as well as denied reopening claims for endocarditis and a skin disorder. The Veteran's current respiratory condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right hip disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and respiratory disorder. The decision is based on the absence of current disabilities in these areas.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and pleural plaques, is not related to his military service, specifically due to a lack of asbestos exposure. The Board finds that the current lung disability is more likely related to his long history of smoking.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, diagnosed as COPD, was not incurred or aggravated in active service. The MVA did not cause his present lung problems/COPD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hand and arm twitching and tremors, finding that these conditions are not related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD with interstitial fibrosis and CAD, finding that there was no evidence of in-service asbestos exposure or a link between the current conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of COPD, asbestosis, or a back disorder. The evidence received since the March 2010 rating decision is insufficient to reopen the claims for service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lung disorder is not service-connected as there is no current diagnosis of lung cancer and the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to his military service, including Agent Orange exposure.,The Veteran's prostate disorder is also not service-connected due to lack of a current diagnosis of prostate cancer. The VA examiner found it less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted in an October 2015 rating decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including COPD and pulmonary nodules, is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a new VA medical opinion to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left shoulder arthritis, and polycystic kidney disease are not related to service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The case is being remanded for further evidentiary development and the appellant will be scheduled for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities alone, as his COPD, PTSD, lumbar disc disease, and burn scars do not meet the criteria for SMC at a higher rate.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including the limits they place on his activities and exercise.

The Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure due to COPD, was not service-connected as the Board found no evidence linking his COPD to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not related to service or in-service asbestos exposure, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.