COPD decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung condition, diagnosed as COPD with emphysema, is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been rated at a 60 percent disability evaluation, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chest disability. The claims for service connection for COPD, sleep apnea, hepatitis C, depression, loss of balance, sinusitis, upper extremity numbness, chest numbness, and increased ratings for a ventral hernia and surgical scar are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including his claimed asbestosis. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to clarify if he has asbestosis and determine its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional records from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Veteran's pension claim is denied as he did not serve during a period of war.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial evaluation for service-connected bilateral tinnitus is denied.,All other issues are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and COPD due to insufficient evidence in the record. Further examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration of new evidence, including a VA expert's opinion and the Veteran's recent argument.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including pulmonary fibrosis and COPD, is remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to missing service treatment records. The Veteran reported injuries and breathing problems during service, which need to be verified through alternative sources.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and review of treatment records, including those from Dr. V.T.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA will obtain additional medical records and provide a new examination to determine the relationship between service, including exposure to asbestos, and his respiratory condition, as well as the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is denied.,Service connection for COPD is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA medical records and requests the Veteran to provide them. The claims for service connection will be remanded until these records are obtained.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that COPD and diabetes were not related to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disorder, COPD with asthma, and OSA. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is remanded due to conflicting diagnoses.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during service or was related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the previous rating decision, which incorrectly denied DIC benefits based on service connection for COPD. The effective date is set to May 1, 1999, the day of the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the issue of tinnitus. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of the Veteran's respiratory disorder to service, including potential environmental exposures.