COPD decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of his March and September 2014 rating decisions that denied service connection for respiratory conditions (claimed as asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and respiratory infections) and vasovagal syncope due to the VA Form 9 substantive appeal being untimely filed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's COPD may be related to his service-connected pulmonary hypertension and is requesting additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, as secondary to his service-connected tuberculosis, needs further clarification and evidence. The decision is remanded to obtain a medical opinion addressing whether COPD is proximately due to or aggravated by tuberculosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for pleural plaque emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hypoxemia) due to potential in-service exposure, unresolved issues regarding causation, and need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Service connection was granted for a splenectomy secondary to the service-connected NHL.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD and hypertension due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran needs to provide an etiology opinion on whether his COPD and hypertension are related to his active service.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, and lumbar spine disability due to lack of evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

Your appeals for service connection on hypertension, low circulation of the lower extremities, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been dismissed due to your death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis is granted. The claim of service connection for a respiratory disability, to include bronchitis (on the merits), is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the claim of service connection for a left foot disability, to include as secondary to the Veteran’s service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, chronic bronchitis, and dyspnea is granted. The other issues are remanded.

The COPD claim to reopen was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The allergies claim to reopen was denied because new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to establish service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his respiratory conditions, including COPD and its secondary effects. The appeal will be remanded to allow for additional evidence collection.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is granted, effective May 1, 2018. The appeals for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy service connection and other issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's migraine headaches, right wrist ganglion cyst, thoracic spine DJD, and bilateral foot calluses are all being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for pulmonary nodule, coin lesion due to insufficient compliance with previous instructions.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, chronic sinusitis, and right arm malignant melanoma with residual scar. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service exposure to herbicides or Agent Orange.

The Veteran's asthma, emphysema and COPD were not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board found no evidence of asbestos exposure causing these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation (as secondary to service-connected sleep apnea or sinusitis), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as secondary to service-connected sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD is granted. The Veteran's fear of losing his life during the USS Enterprise fire is considered a contributing factor in his current diagnosis.,COPD due to asbestos exposure is dismissed.