COPD decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete VA treatment records and a need for further examination. The issues of service connection for COPD and kidney disability are not within jurisdiction as they have not been perfected by the Veteran.

The Veteran's death was caused by lung cancer, with COPD and tobacco use contributing to the cause. Service connection for the cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking the conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for COPD due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if COPD is related to service exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lung disability (to include COPD), sleep disability, and restless leg syndrome due to incomplete verification of the appellant's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the denials for service connection for a respiratory disorder and total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for a respiratory disorder including pneumonia and COPD. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is considered to be due to in-service noise exposure, while the evidence does not support a finding of a current disability of pneumonia or COPD.

The Veteran's lung cancer and related conditions have been rated at 100% since the date of surgery, but his disability has improved over time. The Board finds that a reduction in rating is warranted as his current lung function tests do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of diagnosed respiratory/pulmonary disorders, including COPD and other conditions. The Veteran's service connection claim is pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his right knee, respiratory, and psychiatric disabilities. The RO is instructed to schedule examinations and obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for asthma and COPD due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled examination. The case is now being sent back for further review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's breathing problems and COPD and his service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Veteran's interstitial lung disease and COPD are being examined for a causal link to exposure to contaminated water and chemical gas in service. His hypertension is also being evaluated for a possible link to these exposures. Lastly, his bilateral lower extremity skin rash condition is being reviewed for a potential connection to the same exposures.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right foot disabilities, as well as COPD. Additional development is needed including obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling a new examination for her migraines, and conducting a VA pulmonary and foot examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for COPD, atrial fibrillation (secondary to COPD and sleep apnea), and mild obstructive sleep apnea. The cases are remanded due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim of service connection for a lung disability, including emphysema, is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as a result of service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability caused by VA medical treatment, finding that the Veteran's polycythemia was not caused or aggravated by VA care and that his other conditions were unrelated to VA treatment.

The claim of service connection for COPD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's spouse requires aid and assistance due to her medical conditions, including COPD, which limits her ability to perform daily activities such as preparing meals and managing finances. The Board has determined that she is in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluation of his various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, hypertension, prostate disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, and anxiety disorder NOS.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service connected. The respiratory disorders claim, including COPD and Farmer's lung disease, are remanded for further review.