COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for COPD.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from January 27, 2015 for PTSD. The Board has also remanded several other issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his in-service exposure to lithium hydroxide or asbestos. The Board also found that the Veteran's history of smoking was more likely the cause of his COPD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for COPD, specifically his alleged exposure to herbicides during covert operations in Thailand. The VA is instructed to prepare a Special Operations Forces Incident document and obtain an opinion from a clinician on the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s COPD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, which is related to PTSD or hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD and pulmonary fibrosis due to exposure to asbestos, chlorine gas, and other toxic chemicals used during service. The cause of death claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the COPD/Pulmonary Fibrosis claim.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable prior to August 9, 2017 and a 10% rating is granted from that date. The Board finds the evidence insufficient for service connection of asthma and COPD due to in-service exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and in-service exposures or service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and entitlement to TDIU as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current COPD and his military service, and he does not have any other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeal due to scheduling issues and lack of examination. The appeals for compensation, increased rating for COPD, and right knee disability are all on hold until further action is taken.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's COPD and its relation to service, specifically exposure to solvents, burn pit smoke, and blowing dust during Southwest Asia service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and its relation to his cause of death. The VA will need to obtain medical records, verify service exposure, and provide a medical opinion on the etiology of COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected conditions or exposure to asbestos. The claim will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. The VA examiner found that these conditions are less likely than not related to his active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and emphysema with COPD. The decision also noted that some issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to his active duty service, specifically his exposure to herbicide agents in Korea.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, as it may be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. Additional evidence is needed to determine if COPD had its onset during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA medical records and need for VA examinations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The remaining claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, respiratory disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and/or the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected PTSD did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or requiring regular assistance.