COPD decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, CFS, and COPD. It granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD from June 30, 2015, but denied a higher initial rating or TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to support reopening of his claims. The appeals are remanded for further development including VA examinations and opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran’s current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's COPD with pulmonary fibrosis required outpatient oxygen therapy prior to December 10, 1999 and the Board granted a 100% rating for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, COPD, and a heart disorder other than hypertension due to insufficient evidence of record.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as COPD and asthma, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found insufficient evidence to establish a link between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed substantially to his death from coronary artery disease.,However, the VA examiner concluded that the PTSD did not cause the coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's tinnitus, sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, COPD, bronchitis, and asthma are granted as service-connected.,A 10 percent rating is granted for the fractured proximal joint right great toe with degenerative arthritis since July 7, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right and left knee replacements, as well as emphysema and COPD. The Veteran's statements indicate she experienced injuries during service that led to her current conditions.

The appeal to reopen service connection for a heart condition is granted. The appeal seeking an increased compensable evaluation for COPD is remanded.

The Veteran's 38 U.S.C. 1151 claim for side effects of medication taken for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being remanded due to additional evidence received since March 2015.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right wrist, right ankle, and first metatarsophalangeal joint conditions have been denied.,His claim for a higher rating for pleuritic chest pain with pleural adhesions, chronic bronchitis, and COPD has also been denied.

The Veteran's COPD was rated at 30 percent prior to October 25, 2007 and granted a rating of 60 percent since that date. The Court reversed the Board's decision on the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for COPD from October 25, 2007.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA medical records and a need to reconsider whether he served in Vietnam, which could affect his eligibility for Agent Orange exposure presumptions. The claims will be returned to the RO for further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in 2009. The Board has reopened the claim for a right hip disability and remanded it, but did not reach the merits of other claims due to lack of evidence.

The claim for service connection for bronchial asthma and COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's pre-existing conditions are under review.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records, specifically those related to the Veteran's heart problems and myocardial infarction in the 1980s. The appellant is asked to provide information about where the Veteran was treated for his heart issues, including Dr. Rebecca.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and deck logs, as well as a need for a medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and CAD are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected asbestosis, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for COPD and asbestosis service connection is denied. The RO has already assigned the earliest possible effective date of March 17, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is at least as likely as not related to his in-service asbestos exposure and has granted service connection for COPD.