COPD decisions — 2018

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as COPD and asthma, did not have its onset in service or is otherwise related to service. The Veteran's current diagnosis has been established by medical evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease is granted due to the evidence being at least in equipoise that he has this condition. The claim for COPD remains pending as the VA examination was inadequate and a new one is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current pulmonary disability, including asbestosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was not due to a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a skin disorder. The decision also addressed initial compensable ratings for left and right hamstring muscle strains but did not assign any rating or effective date.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and COPD due to insufficient development, including a need for additional exposure verification and a new VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the Appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service. The claims will be readjudicated after all development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD/emphysema is not related to service, including exposure to chemicals in the motor pool or cigarette smoking during service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current condition began in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorders, and bilateral hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder as a result of his military service, including owing to asbestos exposure. The acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and associated depression, is found to be related to his service. However, there is insufficient evidence linking tunnel vision to his service.

The Veteran's claim for tinnitus is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.,The Veteran's asthma and COPD are denied as they are neither proximately due to nor aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a fractured nose, and are not otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome is denied as it is neither proximately due to nor aggravated beyond its natural progression by his service-connected right hand injuries.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new medical evidence received after the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The Veteran is asked to provide names and addresses for all healthcare providers who have treated him, including VA records from Cleveland VAMC.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his claimed conditions, finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient medical evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has restored service connection for COPD and asbestosis, effective July 1, 2015, and also restored entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35, effective July 1, 2015.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD) is found to be due to his military service. The RO granted a rating of 60 percent for IHD effective July 27, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss, but granted a noncompensable rating for his service-connected bilateral photophobia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory condition, diagnosed as COPD and emphysema, is not attributable to his military service. The preponderance of evidence indicates that his COPD is due to his extensive history of smoking rather than any in-service exposure to chemicals or from his bout of pneumonia while in basic training.