COPD decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the COPD issue.

The Veteran's COPD is rated at a 60 percent rating, but the Board has found that more evidence is needed to determine if he should be granted TDIU.

The Veteran's death was not caused by or otherwise etiologically related to a disorder incurred in service. The claim for service connection for the cause of death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are both denied.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of COPD did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The main issue was whether asbestos exposure triggered the development of COPD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and asthma have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting findings in VA examinations and treatment records regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, emphysema, and asthma. The matter is now pending for further review.

The Veteran's COPD with sleep problems is rated at 100% effective from August 10, 2018. Prior to that date, the rating was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of COPD, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Residuals of Chicken Pox due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records show treatment for respiratory conditions while in-service, but no specific diagnoses. A new examination is required for each condition.

The Veteran's asbestos pleurisy (calcified pleural plaque of the left lung) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are related to his active service, and service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine whether the Veteran's fatal lobar pneumonia, chronic respiratory failure, and/or severe COPD had its onset in, or is otherwise related to his military service. The opinion should address potential environmental exposures during service and their relation to hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including COPD, asthma, and emphysema, which are presumed to be related to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted, effective May 12, 2010. The issues of increased ratings for COPD, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and bilateral flat feet are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder) due to potential in-service onset or relationship.

The Veteran's COPD and gum disorder are remanded for VA examinations to determine their etiology. The Veteran's hypertension is also remanded, with a focus on whether it is related to herbicide exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (chronic adjustment disorder) due to in-service asbestos exposure. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is REMANDED.

The Board has remanded four issues for further development and consideration: service connection for a low back disability, respiratory disability (claimed as COPD), left ankle disability, and sterility. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for additional medical opinions and records.

Your appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran died during the pendency of this case.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, indicating satisfaction with the decision and wishing to withdraw all remaining issues.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for COPD due to a lack of clarity regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his obesity, which in turn caused or aggravated his restrictive lung disease.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms during or immediately after service. The Board finds that the current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are less likely caused by in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's degenerative changes of the right shoulder had onset in service and has been continuously present since then.