COPD decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 15, 2011. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD during the appeal period. For his lung disorder, the VA examiner opined it was less likely than not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as asthma and COPD, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service or exposure to asbestos or herbicide. The Board found that there was no continuous or unremitting symptoms in service or since separation, and no medical nexus between current conditions and active service.

The Veteran's current lung disabilities, including chronic bronchitis and COPD, are found to be related to his active duty service due to exposure to construction dust. The Board finds that the Veteran's in-service symptoms of coughing, congestion, and upper respiratory infections are at least as likely as not related to his current diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including lung cancer, bronchial pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and COPD, were not incurred in service. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung cancer and COPD did not originate in service or within a year of service, and are not otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from November 12, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU rating based on the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has merged the issues of service connection for COPD and upper respiratory infection into one issue. The Veteran's current respiratory conditions are being remanded to obtain a new VA examination to determine if they began in or are related to his active duty service, including as due to residuals of his in-service respiratory symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and that there is no evidence of a chronic disease during service. The Board also found that COPD is not listed as a condition associated with exposure to Agent Orange under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for clarification of medical evidence, consideration of potentially favorable evidence, and development of a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can perform most activities of daily living without significant assistance.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and asthma, is found to be related to his active duty service. The acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is also found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD), was not incurred in service or caused by any service-connected disability. The Board also noted that his lung conditions, including COPD, were not related to his asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has denied reopening of the claims for service connection for asbestosis and lung disease other than asbestosis (COPD). The Veteran's claim for asbestosis was reopened, but his claim for COPD remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not attributable to service. The VA examinations and medical opinions provided no evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is more likely due to the Veteran's history of cigarette smoking. The claim for secondary service connection based on diabetes mellitus, CAD, and PTSD was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD and pulmonary nodules, is not related to his service or any incident thereof.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and COPD, have manifested to a compensable degree prior to December 31, 2021. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, groin disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), and respiratory disability (COPD). The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorder, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, residuals of stroke, atrial fibrillation, COPD, OSA, and a left shoulder disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have ischemic heart disease at any time during the appeal period.