COPD decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain service treatment records and seek an unbiased medical opinion regarding the Veteran's heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance and at the housebound rate is denied as her need for aid and attendance is due to nonservice-connected disabilities, not service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service and whether his COPD is related to asbestos exposure. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, specifically COPD. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to fumes, dust, and chemicals during service which likely contributed to his current diagnosis of COPD.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and emphysema, attributing the Veteran's lung disability to his own tobacco use rather than exposure to herbicide agents or other in-service events.

The Veteran's additional respiratory disability is not deemed to be caused by VA medical care, and thus he does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is now considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, COPD, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD was not related to his active military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and toxic fumes during service.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding no evidence of onset during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current osteoarthritis was attributed to his years of naval service.,Service connection for COPD was also denied as the Board found no direct link between the Veteran's military service and his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung condition, including asbestosis and COPD, is not related to service. There is no objective evidence of asbestos exposure in service or a current diagnosis of an asbestos-related disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, bilateral eye disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory condition, including COPD, asthma, bronchitis and pulmonary hypertension, is not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorder (COPD), hypertension, heart disorder, bilateral hearing loss, right eye disability, right leg disability, and bilateral foot disability. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions and/or insufficient evidence to establish a link between them and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung conditions are not related to his military service and have denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's renal cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. His pulmonary disabilities are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to fumes from mortar rounds.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with prior directives. The Veteran's claim is being returned to the AOJ for completion of the requested actions.