COPD decisions — 2019

The Veteran's representative argues that his current COPD is likely related to service due to smoking cessation and other evidence. The Board finds the April 2018 VA examiner's opinion insufficient and requests an addendum from a pulmonologist.

The Veteran withdrew the issue of entitlement to reimbursement or payment for medical expenses related to non-VA medical care at VH, on May 14, 2013, before a decision was made. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in January 2010, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim. The effective date of service connection for tinnitus is granted as August 1, 2013, but no earlier. Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, COPD, and PAD are all granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD and hypertension has been granted, with a 30% disability rating for asbestosis. The effective date is January 17, 2013.

The Board has determined that the VA examiners' opinions are inadequate and have not addressed the Veteran's claims regarding COPD, bladder cancer, and essential tremors due to exposure to diesel fumes and herbicides. The cases are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether his service-connected respiratory condition and/or medication has aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis and COPD, finding that new evidence did not establish a causal relationship between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of service connection for allergic rhinitis and respiratory disabilities (including sinusitis, COPD). The decision on the hearing loss claim is in favor of the Veteran. For the respiratory issues, the case is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions to determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service connected. The lung disorder and atrial fibrillation claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and verification of in-service stressors. The issues include chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, hair loss, skin disability, dental disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, including as due to asbestos exposure, is denied. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current lung disorders are related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete records and a need for further medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's cause of death, metastasis of liver cancer and COPD, was found to be related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, COPD, and asthma should be remanded to allow for further development of the evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to service, including his presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam and/or secondary to ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of pneumonia are being remanded for further evaluation, as well as a determination on his claim for TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a lung disorder, including calcified right pleural plaque, left pleural effusion, mild subcarinal adenopathy with nodes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary asbestosis is granted. The issue of whether the Veteran was exposed to asbestos aboard USS Vulcan AR-5 during his service is remanded.

The Veteran's asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are being remanded for further action due to the need for a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death, which included COPD and lung cancer, was related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The decision grants DIC benefits for the cause of the Veteran's death.