COPD decisions — 2017

The Veteran's unspecified mood disorder is found to be related to active duty service, while his pulmonary disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for authorization of VA special mode transportation benefits is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a medical opinion regarding whether he needs specialized transportation.

The Veteran died in September 2000 due to COPD, CAD, Alzheimer's disease, and bullous pemphigus. The cause of death is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to address the nature, etiology, and severity of his service-connected conditions as well as any new or increased disabilities. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for CHF and COPD, including obtaining medical opinions regarding potential exposure to asbestos and ionizing radiation. The rating for bilateral hearing loss will also be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is service-connected, but his Asbestosis was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his COPD and service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), due to asbestos exposure is being remanded for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, COPD, and stroke residuals were not due to herbicide exposure or service.,Service connection was denied for all three conditions as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome were denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to an effective date prior to March 25, 2013, for the grant of TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD did not manifest in service and is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to an in-service event, injury or disease. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension and special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance prior to May 6, 2015 was denied because his ex-wife's assets were considered part of the combined estate, making it unreasonable that some part of the corpus of such estates be consumed for the veteran's maintenance.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the pending service connection claims. The issues of service connection for various conditions are also being considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a respiratory examination. The issues of service connection for asthma/COPD and PTSD are also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and generalized anxiety. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD as secondary to the service-connected asthma.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss are granted. The decision is based on the evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's asthma and COPD are rated at a maximum of 100 percent, effective from January 30, 2002.,His MDD with generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are found to have had their onset in service, with the current conditions being related to his exposure to hazardous materials during military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.