COPD decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, left knee condition, right eye retinal burn residuals, left eye retinal burn residuals, and bronchial asthma due to in-service exposure. The issues are now pending before the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), lung disability (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema), and prostate disability is granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. However, the claims are denied as there is no evidence of record linking these disabilities to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, asthma, COPD, and right leg torn ACL are remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for left shoulder injury and depression are also remanded as new evidence may be relevant.,VA is required to provide an examination or obtain a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.