COPD decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was reopened and granted, but the Board found that there is no direct relationship between the current condition and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD and tobacco use disorder due to issues with the opinions provided. The COPD claim is being remanded for an adequate opinion on whether PTSD caused or aggravated the Veteran's tobacco use, which may have led to COPD. The tobacco use disorder claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the COPD claim.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the disabilities and military service or service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board has granted service connection for pleural plaque due to asbestos exposure. Service connection is remanded for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma related to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied, and the appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including an earlier effective date for scars status post surgery for lung cancer and reopening of prostate disorder and bladder disorder claims. The remaining appeals are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), finding that the Veteran's exposure to hazardous chemicals during service, including asbestos and other materials on board ships, is related to his current conditions.,Both conditions were found to be directly related to service due to the conceded exposure to hazardous substances.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability (emphysema/COPD) and diabetes, finding that there was no evidence showing these conditions began during his active service or were related to any in-service injury, event, or disease. The Board also found no probative evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD, hypertension, and prostate problems due to service exposure to herbicide agents. The VA examiner is requested to provide opinions on the nature and origin of these conditions, assuming herbicide agent exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification regarding the cause of the Veteran's COPD, as it is unclear if his assertions about in-service exposure to airborne contaminants other than asbestos were considered.

The Veteran's COPD with bronchitis is rated at 100% from June 20, 2008 to February 1, 2020. The right knee condition remains on appeal for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for COPD and bronchitis prior to May 9, 2018 was denied as his FEV-1/FVC ratio did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6604.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be rescheduled for VA examinations to determine if his COPD and heart disability are related to service, particularly due to exposure to dust, exhaust fumes, and chemical/organic fumes. The claims will also consider whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected delusional disorder.

The Board has denied service connection for hemorrhoids, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The COPD and sleep apnea claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The Board will consider all evidence, including new treatment records and lay statements, in determining whether there is a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of a headache disorder. However, it denied all other claims as they are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the DIC and service connection claim due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of death, potential secondary service connection for cardiac issues, and diagnoses at the time of death.

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

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia, COPD, and a heart disability (claimed as syncope) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claims for these conditions are remanded for additional development.