COPD decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lung cancer residuals and COPD are being remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for updated treatment records. The issues of SMC at the housebound rate, TDIU, and whether the reduction in disability rating was proper are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance have been dismissed.,Service connection was denied for a lumbar spine disability, COPD, and anxiety disorder with dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for various conditions related to presumed herbicide exposure during service is remanded due to insufficient evidence or further clarification of the claims.

The Board denied service connection for hypercholesterolemia and remanded the issue of service connection for COPD secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of various respiratory/pulmonary conditions, including COPD, emphysema, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, asthma/bronchial asthma, and allergic rhinitis. The VA is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a pulmonologist regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung disorder, basal cell carcinoma, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to herbicide agents and/or asbestos. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the effective dates for awards of service connection were not granted earlier than specified.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. However, it denied the claims for secondary service connection for allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, esophageal stricture, and dysphagia to his service-connected non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The Veteran's COPD is remanded for a VA examination to determine its onset and relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and the relationship between his claimed conditions and such exposure. The Veteran is also referred for further examination on issues related to Peyronie’s disease, benign hypertrophy of the prostate, skin cancer, and a skin disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records, particularly from private hospitals and VA facilities where the Veteran received treatment prior to his death. The appellant must provide information for obtaining these records.

The Veteran's left spontaneous pneumothorax is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that suggests a relationship between his current COPD and lung cancer diagnoses and his military service. The Board must now evaluate whether he should be granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lung disorder, COPD, is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service lung-related illness or asbestos exposure that may be related to the condition.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted service connection. The appeals for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bladder control disability, sleep apnea, and the reopening of claims for neuropathy and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded.

The claim of service connection for COPD and asthma is granted. The issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include COPD and asthma, is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD, bronchitis, and asthma, are granted. The Board also grants a TDIU due to these conditions, given the combined disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the cause of death was not related to service or VA treatment, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's current COPD may be related to his in-service pneumonia, but needs further clarification and evidence. The case is being sent back for a more detailed examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis and COPD, to include as secondary to herbicide agent exposure.