COPD decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and OSA are denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claims for hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and bilateral hearing loss disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations were not conducted as per remand instructions and thus, the claims for service connection are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals on service connection claims for COPD, a right wrist condition, bilateral ankle condition, heart condition, and cervical and thoracic spine disability due to his withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of death and the relationship between COPD and service connection. The VA must obtain additional treatment records, provide a medical opinion on whether COPD is related to service exposure to Agent Orange, and determine if the Veteran's use of tobacco products was caused or aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remands and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's COPD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 12, 2014 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his IHD prior to that date. As of May 12, 2014, he met both thresholds required for a TDIU (a single service-connected disability ratable at 60% or more, or two or more disabilities with one rated at 40% or more and the combined rating at 70% or more). However, the Board found that his heart condition alone did not render him unemployable during this period.

The Board has remanded the cases for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's COPD and hepatitis C are related to his service, including as secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. S. and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's respiratory conditions are related to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, characterized as a pulmonary disorder, was denied because there is no evidence of in-service or post-service causation. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 was also denied due to the lack of at least 10 years of receipt of a 100% disability rating prior to death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA, COPD, and nephrolithiasis. The Board also found that his bilateral hearing loss warranted a 40% rating.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis was not related to his military service or due to a service-connected condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied as there is no evidence of such a disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a pulmonary disorder, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy with right leg shortening due to additional development being needed. The issues of TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has decided that the VA examinations in 2014 and 2018 did not adequately address the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for COPD, liver disease, and sleep apnea due to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has therefore ordered new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and COPD due to exposure to herbicide agents. The decision also includes a request for additional medical evidence and an opinion from a VA examiner regarding the relationship between the Veteran's COPD and in-service exposures.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a back disability. The decision on COPD is due to lack of evidence linking it to service, while the back disability claim requires additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted prior to March 1, 2016. From that date, a higher rating for PTSD is denied. Service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted. The issues of service connection for lung condition (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and TDIU prior to March 1, 2016 remain pending.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his claim for service connection of COPD is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, including COPD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.