COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, skin, and heart disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete development of his exposure history at Dugway Proving Ground.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's COPD and his in-service herbicide exposure. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether COPD is related to service, including the conceded herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for respiratory disorders, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current respiratory conditions to his service-connected left lower lung pneumothorax disability or to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, tension headaches, COPD, and obstructive sleep apnea, all of which are found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected herniated disc disorder.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction (ED) is dismissed. The Veteran’s prostate cancer claim was denied, and his COPD claim was also denied. The Board has remanded several other issues including service connection for Lyme disease, arthritis of various joints, chronic fatigue, gout, rashes, memory loss, and Bell's Palsy.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, skin cancer (tumor condition), and respiratory disorder due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD due to asbestos exposure during the Veteran's active naval service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted as incurred during service. Raynaud's syndrome of both hands and respiratory disorders are denied due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Board has remanded both issues of service connection for the Veteran's liver adenocarcinoma and cause of death due to COPD, as these claims are inextricably intertwined with the substitution and accrued benefits claim. Additional development is required, including obtaining medical records from Drs. L.B. and S.B., and providing a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's liver cancer and COPD.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and heart condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions were more likely due to his smoking history rather than service. The Board also denied special monthly pension benefits as the Veteran did not require aid and attendance or meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD, is related to his service exposure to asbestos.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the claims for thoracolumbar spine disorder, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for COPD, gastro hyperplastic polyposis, and anemia have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied, but his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and granted.,His bilateral hearing loss claim was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's COPD, lung nodules, and calcified pleural plaques are directly related to service. The VA needs to obtain an addendum from a clinician.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the current diagnosis is not related to in-service asbestos exposure and instead likely due to post-service smoking and obesity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory conditions and a right knee disability have been denied as there is no evidence to support the assertion that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic respiratory disorder, including COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his in-service exposure and noting that smoking is a known risk factor for COPD.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected COPD, CAD, and CHF. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and bilateral leg disorder may be related to service, but further examination is needed to confirm this. The case is therefore being remanded for additional evaluations.