COPD decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD was restored to a 70% disability rating effective June 1, 2015. The RO reduced the Veteran’s PTSD rating from 70% to 30%, but this reduction was improper and has been restored.

The Veteran's hearing loss and lung disease (asbestosis with COPD) are being remanded for further evaluation. The service connection for both conditions is not currently established, and the issue of exposure to aircraft fumes causing his lung condition needs clarification.

The Veteran's cause of death, cardiac arrest due to respiratory failure and COPD/emphysema, is found to be service-connected as his chronic cough in service was an early sign of COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left leg, right elbow fracture, gout, COPD, heart disorder (including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been granted. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to COPD, but the VA does not consider service connection for this condition as it did not occur during his lifetime. The Board found no evidence linking COPD or atrial fibrillation to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records, requiring a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disorder is related to his service or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance was due to his non-service connected conditions (emphysema/COPD, age), not his service-connected gunshot wounds. Therefore, he did not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, PTSD, OSA, and IHD with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions provided by VA examiners regarding service connection for COPD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety).

The Board has denied service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and remanded the issues of bilateral knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD with emphysema, finding that his current condition is related to his in-service exposure to diesel fumes. The appeal was not about a presumption or reopening based on new evidence.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for COPD and right knee disability, but denied service connection for both conditions. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (reopen COPD claim) and others were not (right knee disability).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disorders, asbestosis, and hearing loss. The decision also found that no increased disability ratings were warranted for his hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right knee, and right hip disorders, as well as a respiratory disorder. The VA will obtain medical records and schedule examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have led to a grant of a 70% rating for PTSD, effective from May 31, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of relevant medical records. The goal is to determine if there has been a significant reduction in lung functioning that warrants an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, scars on the left hand, allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, heart condition, and GERD have been denied. The VA has ordered additional examinations to address these issues.,The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his claimed conditions as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnoses and active service.

The Veteran's lung disorder is granted as service connected, but the cause of his lung disorder remains unresolved due to lack of in-service exposure evidence.

The Veteran's SPE and COPD were denied service connection, while his IHD was granted a 30% rating. The Board found no evidence linking the disabilities to service or conceded exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete development of records.