COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran's COPD, emphysema and calcifications of the pleura are found to be related to his service exposure to asbestos. Service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology and aggravation of COPD. The Veteran's service records do not show any pre-existing pulmonary conditions, but he was exposed to environmental hazards during his deployment in Kosovo. Further examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding exposure to ionizing radiation and asbestos exposure, as well as a need for an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claim for a lung disability, including asbestosis and emphysema. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lung disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for lymphoma and remanded the claims for glaucoma, lipoma, and COPD due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current lung conditions and his in-service pneumonia, URI, and bronchitis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for COPD and recurrent pneumonia.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess its current severity.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, including those presumed due to herbicide exposure. The causes of death are considered unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, which includes the use of a CPAP machine. The appeal for COPD and thoracic spine disability is dismissed as service connection has already been established. Lumbar strain and radiculopathy are denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. Blepharitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's COPD is not service connected due to lack of evidence showing exposure to Agent Orange and no direct link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary condition, including asthma, pulmonary asbestosis, and COPD, due to asbestos exposure. The evidence did not establish that his current conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hemorrhoids, left foot disorder, and COPD due to conflicting evidence in the record. The Veteran is asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo examinations by appropriate clinicians.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied, and the appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease (IHD)/coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied staged initial ratings higher than 10 percent from December 1, 2000 through June 1, 2005 and higher than 30 percent from June 2, 2005 through August 16, 2005. The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease (IHD)/coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied staged initial ratings higher than 60 percent from August 17, 2005 through April 9, 2009 and a rating of 100 percent is assigned since April 10, 2009.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was REMANDED.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD due to MST. The Veteran's claim was not supported by competent medical evidence.,Service connection for hepatitis-C and cirrhosis of the liver were also denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.,Pulmonary emphysema and COPD were found not related to service, with no in-service diagnosis or exposure to causative agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security records and providing an addendum opinion regarding his respiratory disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted for a left ankle disability and right ear hearing loss, and entitlement to service connection was denied for arthritis of the lumbar spine and COPD.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the case.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar strain, carpal tunnel syndrome in the left wrist, atrial fibrillation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The issue of whether an April 2002 rating decision became final is also being remanded.