COPD decisions — 2020

The Veteran's asthma and COPD with episodic pneumonia rating has been reduced from 100% to 30%. The appeal of the reduction is remanded due to outstanding medical records. Additionally, the termination of SMC benefits is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the asthma claim.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,Left foot frostbite residuals are at least as likely as not related to service.,Right foot frostbite residuals are at least as likely as not related to service.,Right hand frostbite residuals are at least as likely as not related to service.,Left hand frostbite residuals are at least as likely as not related to service.,The Veteran's hypertension is presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,COPD, emphysema, and asthma are presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,Diverticulitis with colon polyps are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for chest arthritis and remanded the issue of expanding the asthma claim to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and reactive airway disease.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to address his service-connected disabilities, including headaches, COPD, diarrhea, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran also has several issues related to service connection that are being addressed in the remand process.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of bilateral hearing loss has been granted, effective August 14, 2018.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted based on new evidence.

The Veteran's lung/respiratory disorders, including asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease, are granted as service-connected due to exposure to burn pits during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board dismissed the appeals on the issues of service connection for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for COPD is denied, but his claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation as secondary to his service-connected COPD is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's back disability is related to service, but his respiratory disabilities are not.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in August 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for fatty liver disease secondary to diabetes. The claims for COPD and a skin condition are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disorder (including asthma and COPD) and a heart disorder (including congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease).

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, COPD and bronchitis as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury.,There is no current diagnosis for either COPD or bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, entitlement to cause of death, and DIC due to inaction on VA's part regarding obtaining Reserve records and providing a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD, effective from October 24, 2015. The other issues were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected asthmatic bronchitis and COPD did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to February 8, 2017. After February 9, 2017, when he was granted a total disability rating with special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate due to his prostate cancer and lung cancer, the matter of TDIU is moot.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to service, specifically in-service exposure to exhaust fumes and chemicals. The VA needs to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and remanded the issues of a higher rating for left forearm shell fragment wound residuals and eligibility for financial assistance for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and COPD have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.