COPD decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to new and material evidence having been presented.,An initial rating in excess of 100 percent for COPD is denied. An effective date earlier than May 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for COPD is also denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for depression with agoraphobia and panic disorder symptoms associated with COPD is being remanded. The earliest possible effective date is May 21, 2010.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 10, 2012 for the grant of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate remains remanded.

The Veteran's COPD is related to his service, specifically the exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board has requested an additional medical opinion to address this issue.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and emphysema, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and exposure to asbestos in service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD, frostbite injury to bilateral ears, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder, difficulty sleeping, and bilateral hearing loss due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a respiratory disorder, but has denied service connection for pulmonary vascular disease. The remaining issues of service connection for bronchiectasis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asbestosis, and for COPD secondary to asbestosis due to in-service asbestos exposure. The VA is required to obtain all relevant treatment records from various healthcare facilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death, entitlement to nonservice-connected death pension benefits, and accrued benefits. The causes listed on the Veteran’s death certificate were not related to his active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and non-small cell lung cancer, was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to his military service. The cause of death from lung cancer was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD has been dismissed because the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including muscle pain, COPD, positive PPD test results, and sleep apnea. The reasons for remanding these cases are not provided in the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for gouty arthritis of both feet. The case is being remanded to address the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee arthritis, COPD, sleep apnea, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left foot gout.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and sarcoidosis, finding that his current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as COPD exacerbation, with diabetes mellitus type II and renal insufficiency also contributing. The Board has requested additional records to determine if the diabetes contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's COPD and its relation to service. The Veteran will need to complete an asbestos exposure questionnaire, and a VA examination will be scheduled for him.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a gastrointestinal disorder due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran asserts that his current conditions are related to his active duty service, particularly exposure to asbestos and other hazardous particles.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that COPD, OSA, and hypoxemia were not causally or etiologically related to active service, including in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that further medical evaluation and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including back disability, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory condition (COPD), and migraine headaches. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, asbestosis, and COPD have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. Service connection has not been established for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's asthma, COPD, and bronchitis are at least as likely as not the result of chemical exposure during active service.