COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including COPD, is being remanded due to his failure to report for the scheduled VA examination and because there may be additional treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gout of the bilateral feet and COPD. The decision also notes that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, including any complications such as erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a lack of evidence linking his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung mass, and hemoptysis to his active military service. The Board found that there was no reasonable possibility that providing a medical opinion would aid in substantiating the claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied service connection claim for hypertension. Service connection is also granted for this condition. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a heart condition, COPD, an enlarged prostate, and hypothyroidism due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is granted as secondary to her service-connected TMJ. However, the upper respiratory condition (COPD) is denied due to lack of a link to formaldehyde exposure during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, including due to herbicide agent exposure and/or tobacco use. The case will be remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD.

The Veteran's cause of death is not related to service-connected conditions, and his COPD was not linked to in-service asbestos exposure. Service connection for the cause of death based on service-connected CAD and non-service-connected COPD and peripheral neuropathy is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder, including COPD and due to asbestos exposure. The claim of reopening an anxiety disorder was granted but the Veteran does not have a separate anxiety disorder other than PTSD.,Service connection for a lung disorder (COPD) is denied as there is no evidence of onset during or within one year of service, nor any relationship to asbestos exposure. Service connection for an anxiety disorder other than PTSD is also denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and the Veteran's symptoms being attributed to PTSD.,The Board found that the Veteran did not have a separate anxiety disorder other than PTSD as his symptoms were more likely related to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's COPD is being reviewed again with new evidence and a thorough review of his service history.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD has worsened since his last examination, and a remand is needed to obtain a new VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD, specifically his exposure to burn pits while deployed in Afghanistan. The Veteran is requested to provide additional private medical records and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hip condition, left knee condition, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for COPD and cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's lung conditions, including asbestosis and COPD, are related to his service. The Veteran needs a new examination to determine if these conditions are aggravated by his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, and he is now entitled to VA benefits starting from the date of his original claim in July 15, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for lumbar strain service connection remains pending as there was no prior formal or informal claim filed before July 15, 2014.

The Veteran's COPD is related to his in-service asbestos exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for COPD and asbestosis, but has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU due to new evidence received since the last final denial. A VA examination is needed to address the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for COPD with history of asthma and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded as the VA treatment records need to be obtained, and he needs to undergo a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his pulmonary disability, including restrictive lung disease, COPD, and bronchitis, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and COPD has been granted, along with an earlier effective date for SMC based on a need for aid and attendance.,However, the Veteran's request for an increased rate of SMC was denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

Service connection for COPD is granted. An increased rating for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and PTSD) is remanded.