COPD decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeals are granted as to cervical spine arthritis, left knee arthritis (left), right hand arthritis, right foot arthritis, COPD, and asthma.

The Board has determined that the June 2013 VA examination was inadequate and requires a retrospective medical opinion to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected lung cancer residuals prior to August 27, 2014.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for COPD and PTSD remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left trigger finger and COPD, asthma, and bronchitis. The claim for service connection of the left upper arm and shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the possible link between the Veteran's in-service exposure and his death, as well as the possible link between his service-connected urethritis and his fatal conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU, as well as his claim for SMC for aid and assistance. The issues include respiratory condition (including COPD) and hiatal hernia.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sleep apnea, finding that it is secondary to his already service-connected COPD.

The Veteran's COPD with restrictive lung disease and pleural plaques is rated at 30 percent from October 4, 2017 (excluding the period beginning October 16, 2019).

The Veteran's OSA and COPD have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected UDD.,Service connection for diabetes and ED has been denied.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted due to presumed exposure to an herbicide agent. Service connection for Parkinson's disease and a respiratory disability are denied. The cause of the Veteran’s death, congestive heart failure, is found to be related to his service-connected CAD.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disorder, COPD, left knee disorder, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as diverticulitis), skin disorder (claimed as eczema), and polymyositis due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for chronic bronchitis, claimed as pneumonia, is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for emphysema and COPD due to new evidence received.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid cancer due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis and/or COPD, which may be related to exposure to asbestos and/or herbicides. The focus is on determining if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's COPD may have begun during service or within one year of discharge, and thus remands for an addendum medical opinion to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his exposure to gas in training and reports of dyspnea between service and 1975.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete compliance with previous instructions, and an addendum opinion is required regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory problems including asthma and COPD.

Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted as accrued benefits. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and factitious disorder with predominantly psychological signs and symptoms, COPD, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are denied as accrued benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right knee disorder. An addendum opinion on the respiratory disorder claim is also needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also remanded.