COPD decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, a skin disability manifested by soft tissue sarcoma, a skin disability manifested by basal cell carcinoma, and COPD due to in-service herbicide exposure. The VA is instructed to obtain relevant medical records and schedule examinations.

The Board has remanded three service connection claims due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to asbestos exposure due to an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence of in-service asbestos exposure and post-service diagnoses.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his service connection claims for right hip disorder, COPD, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals are now remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current disability is not related to his active duty service or any period of ACDUTRA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a relationship between his in-service asbestos exposure and his current COPD diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for herpes labialis, a compensable initial rating for PFB, service connection for seborrheic dermatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a respiratory disorder. The issues have been referred to the AOJ.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, other than carcinoma of the lung to include COPD and interstitial lung disease due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's service records did not show any respiratory issues during his time in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether VA's treatment caused additional disability, and if so, whether it was due to carelessness or negligence.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the conditions did not have their onset in service or are not related to any incident or injury in service.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, including lung cancer, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding that the Veteran's disabilities were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 10% prior to August 29, 2019 and at 30% thereafter. The Board has decided the case should be remanded for further evaluation of his current severity.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his asthma with bronchitis, left knee disability, COPD, and diverticulitis claims.,The Veteran’s kidney condition claim requires additional private treatment records from 'The Renal Associates' to be associated with the file.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's chronic bronchitis is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's pulmonary disability and its relationship to service exposure. The VA needs to obtain updated medical records, schedule a new examination, and provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and sleep disturbance), and a respiratory disorder (COPD) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations related to his claims resulted in their denial.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and COPD have been rated based on their current severity. The Board has remanded the claims for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his hand tremors and acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's service-connected COPD does not warrant a compensable rating as it is currently manifested by mild pulmonary impairment. His claim for an increased rating is therefore denied.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with hand tremors, which are related to his in-service right hand injury. The Board has remanded the claim for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his hand tremors.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is currently not service-connected. The Board has remanded the claim for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer and COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link to exposure at Camp Lejeune or any other in-service event.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for COPD due to insufficient medical opinion regarding causation. The Veteran's smoking history and presumed exposure to Agent Orange are considered, but a supplemental opinion is needed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,COPD and a neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities are remanded for further development.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, requires additional examination to determine if it warrants an increased rating.,Bilateral hearing loss is also remanded for evaluation.,The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection on a direct basis.