COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lower back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, is related to his military service and granted service connection.,Service connection for COPD was established based on credible evidence of in-service exposure to contaminated air from burn pits.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to incomplete records. The Veteran's scar residual of a cyst is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not warrant an increased rating as there are no symptoms or characteristics of disfigurement that would support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's death, and is requesting additional information and medical opinions regarding his service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected COPD is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the Board has not established any effective dates due to lack of prior formal or informal claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is not service-connected due to a finding of willful misconduct.,The Veteran’s back disability and COPD are remanded for further development.

The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied, and the cause of death claim is remanded due to incomplete records and need for an opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD with emphysema is related to his service due to asbestos exposure, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for asbestosis, but no higher, effective February 25, 2013. The Veteran's respiratory disability is manifested by a DLCO (SB) of 77 percent predicted value.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions and new evidence presented by the appellant. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, bronchitis, and emphysema due to further development of his VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence linking her current disabilities to service. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if her OSA, COPD, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and PTSD are related to service.

The Board has determined that no additional equipment purchases or home modifications are necessary for the Veteran's independent living plan, as previous programs have provided for the minimum property requirements and other necessary features.

The Board has denied service connection for leukemia and remanded the issue of COPD. The decision on leukemia is based on a lack of evidence linking the condition to service, including exposure to asbestos and carbon tetrachloride. For COPD, an additional medical opinion is needed regarding the relationship with conceded exposures.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between Agent Orange exposure and the Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as whether any diagnosed heart disorder was related to service or aggravated by the lung condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchial asthma, COPD, and bronchitis is reopened. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertensive vascular disease, COPD, and GERD with Barrett’s esophagus due to his claimed in-service exposure to asbestos and/or lead. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for carcinoma of the lung. The remaining issue, service connection for a respiratory disorder other than carcinoma of the lung (COPD and interstitial lung disease), is remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for a chronic respiratory condition including COPD, bronchitis, and residuals of pneumonia.