COPD decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for COPD and CAD, as secondary to COPD; for service connection for malignant neoplasms (claimed as colon cancer), to include as due to radiation exposure; and for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has expanded the scope of your claim to include consideration of any respiratory disability, including COPD. Your service connection for a respiratory disability is being remanded due to lack of an examination and need for medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including arthritis of the shoulders, elbows, hands, neck, back, hips, COPD, sleep apnea, and hypertension, have been denied as there is no competent evidence that any such disability may be etiologically related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and Type II Diabetes Mellitus, as both conditions are claimed to be related to his PTSD. The VA will seek additional information from the Veteran regarding potential in-service exposures and provide an addendum opinion addressing the theories of entitlement.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is not adequate and that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's COPD is related to his military service, including exposure to wood dust. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD and COPD claims have been denied as the evidence does not support higher disability ratings.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of death for purposes of receiving DIC. The Veteran died in November 2008 due to COPD and respiratory failure, but VA medical records do not provide sufficient information on his exposure to asbestos or smoking history.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for multiple myeloma was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The claim of service connection for a respiratory condition (including asthma, COPD and sleep apnea) is denied because new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,The claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The claim of service connection for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine its etiology and consideration of herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for COPD and sleep apnea are remanded due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and an acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his military service, but more development is needed to verify potential asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 10, 2011 for a 100% rating for recurrent bronchitis with COPD was denied as the earliest factually ascertainable date that he was entitled to this higher disability rating is subsequent to March 10, 2011.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for residuals of left wrist fracture, kidney disorder, bilateral eye disorder, and lung disorder have been granted. The petitions to reopen the remaining issues are pending.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound were denied as he did not meet the requirements for either benefit.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, prostate cancer, and essential tremors are all remanded for further examination and opinion.,Prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for a new and material evidence review. Essential tremors have been referred back for an addendum opinion addressing whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, including as due to asbestos exposure, is denied because the evidence does not support a finding that his current COPD was caused by active duty service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed asthma and COPD are related to in-service exposure to environmental contaminants.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for COPD and an enlarged prostate, so the Board has dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 are remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including a copy of the police report and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's lung disorder (COPD) is not service connected as it was not caused by his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.