COPD decisions — 2017

The Veteran's lung disorder, including COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary embolism, is being reviewed for service connection. The relationship between his service and these conditions, particularly the pulmonary embolism, needs to be clarified.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disorder, COPD, and hypertension. The evidence received since the May 2009 rating decision is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, asthma, and COPD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, diagnosed as COPD, is not etiologically related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for status post lobectomy for lung cancer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and assigned a 100 percent rating effective September 9, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's pulmonary disorder, to include COPD and emphysema, is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and hypertension are not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory/pulmonary disorder, including COPD and asthma, is not etiologically related to service or exposure to chemicals and asbestos during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding hypertension and coronary artery disease. The issues of service connection for respiratory disorders, sleep apnea, and heart conditions are being addressed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his service-connected DJD of the right foot.,The Veteran's respiratory disorders are related to service exposure to asbestos. His current COPD and asthma are at least as likely as not caused by in-service asbestos exposure.,The Veteran's back disorder is related to a back injury sustained during an incident involving his right foot, which he claims occurred while on active duty.

The Board has determined that a remand is required due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's current pulmonary disability is not related to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung disorder, including COPD, is not causally related to or aggravated by his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death, COPD and bronchiectasis, is not related to his period of service or exposure to herbicide agents and environmental hazards. The evidence does not show a direct relationship between his in-service activities and these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for COPD, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining treatment records from Community Hospital and Dr. Kenneth Shaver.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD, heart condition (atrial fibrillation), back condition, neck condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.