COPD decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development of evidence.,Service connection for a low back condition, any separate and additional respiratory illness (including as due to an undiagnosed illness related to service in Southwest Asia), COPD, and PTSD are all pending.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection of a lung disorder, including COPD is granted. Service connection for a lung disorder, including COPD is also granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for lung cancer is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the appropriate ratings and service connection for sarcoidosis, COPD, and eye disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD with bilateral pleural thick thinning is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities due to herbicide agent exposure. The claims are being reviewed on a facts found basis as the Veteran was exposed near the perimeter of Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during his active duty.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death because the evidence did not indicate that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death. The Board also found that alleged on-service exposure to toxins or chemicals did not contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not provided to support the reopening of these claims. The Board also found that there is no nexus between the claimed conditions and active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, hepatitis C, bladder condition (claimed as liver condition), COPD (claimed as lung condition), and service connection for ischemic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding potential asbestos exposure during service and a need for further examination of the Veteran's COPD.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records. The COPD claim has been withdrawn.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory condition, including lung nodules.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure and a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during their pendency.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and sleep apnea due to conflicting evidence of record. The AOJ must obtain VA addendum opinions addressing whether the Veteran’s current asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea are related to his presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam and/or secondary to his service-connected Parkinson’s Disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD symptoms led to his history of smoking, which in turn is related to his COPD. A new VA examination must be conducted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being remanded due to the improper activation of his appeal under the modernized review system.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide his respiratory and neck disability claims.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and pulmonary hypertension, as the evidence did not support a link to active service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD renders him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).