COPD decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including COPD and bronchiectasis, finding that there was no evidence of in-service asbestos exposure. The cause of death claim was also denied as the Veteran's pulmonary disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and TDIU due to inadequate examination findings. New opinions are needed regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, but denied service connection for a bilateral vision disability, COPD, hypertension, and for a disability manifested by insomnia.,Service connection was also denied for a seizure disorder, a right shoulder disability, a cervical spine disability, varicose veins, and for a gastrointestinal disability.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current respiratory disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, nerve condition, or headaches related to service. The Veteran's prostate cancer and hypertension are also not linked to his exposure to mustard gas, herbicide agents, or other chemicals.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to outstanding SSA records that may be relevant to the current appeals.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, a headache condition, hypertension, sinusitis/rhinitis, and COPD have been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen these claims.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, lung cancer, and oncocytoma due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as the evidence did not support a causal relationship with these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's collapsed left lung and emphysema have been granted service connection, while his sleep apnea has been denied. The issues of service connection for asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lung disorder and its relationship to service. The Veteran is also seeking increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted at a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's PTSD and COPD are denied with ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to June 13, 2019, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter for PTSD, and in excess of 20 percent and 30 percent respectively for COPD. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as there is no evidence of an in-service occurrence or a nexus between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, back condition, tinnitus, headache condition, COPD, stomach issues, and bilateral knee condition are being returned to the RO for further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to lack of compliance with previous Board directives. The issues include sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety), COPD, and left intercostal muscle strain.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema, as well as her claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for chronic headaches. The decision found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions, and the current diagnoses were not related to service or exposure to environmental hazards.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's COPD and its relation to service. An addendum opinion from a Pulmonary specialist is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no causal relationship between her current condition and her military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory/pulmonary disorder, including restrictive lung disease, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis and lung cancer. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and total disability due to individual unemployability have been dismissed because the Veteran died during the appeal process.