COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran's COPD is at least as likely as not related to exposure to contaminants in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted effective April 26, 2000. The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD/emphysema, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery disease are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported exposure to chemicals during active duty, including herbicides. The appeals are pending and will be reconsidered.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's stroke residuals are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his claim for service connection for lung disabilities, including COPD and asbestosis.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, COPD, and lung disability are not related to service or herbicide agent exposure. The blood disorder affecting the right arm is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure.,The right-hand Dupuytren's contracture is not related to service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, including emphysema, pneumonitis and COPD, has been reopened. However, the case is still pending as it was remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The claims for avascular necrosis of the hips and COPD are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate addendum opinions regarding second-hand smoke exposure during service and its potential connection to the Veteran's death. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that second-hand smoke exposure in service caused or contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran’s death, addressing all causes of death listed on his death certificate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Type II Diabetes Mellitus have been granted. The claim for service connection for COPD is remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for asthmatic bronchitis is granted. The Board finds that a remand is required due to the lack of VA examination and opinion addressing whether the Veteran's pre-existing asthma was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, coronary artery disease (now claimed as ischemic heart disease), Parkinson’s disease, constipation, difficulty chewing/swallowing, loss of automatic movement, loss of sense of smell, sexual dysfunction, speech impairment, stooped posture, tremors, muscle rigidity, and stiffness of the extremities have been granted. The effective dates for these grants vary based on when the claims were filed or when entitlement arose.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient information about the Veteran's separation from service and needs clarification of the codes used in his DD-214. The AOJ must also obtain his complete service personnel records for further investigation.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions were denied as the evidence did not show a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The Board noted that while he had been exposed to asbestos in service, this exposure did not cause his COPD.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and thyroid disability, finding that the conditions are not related to service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be related to asbestos exposure during active duty, and service connection for COPD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and COPD, finding that the Veteran's current respiratory disorders are related to his in-service exposure to cadmium.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service. The appeal is also granted for other conditions, including coccyx disability and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for COPD with asthma, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.