COPD decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, including as due to exposure to asbestos. The current medical evidence does not adequately address the Veteran's lay statements and additional articles submitted with his claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions began during or are otherwise related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's service in Thailand and his exposure to herbicide agents. The VA needs to further investigate these issues before making a determination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, specifically chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's in-service upper respiratory infections or herbicide agent exposure and his current respiratory disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 0 percent, and a TDIU on an extraschedular basis was granted from March 24, 2009 to June 11, 2014 due to his service-connected COPD.

The Veteran's Bell's palsy has been granted a disability rating of 10 percent effective November 30, 2020. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding service connection for respiratory and neurological disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and a skin disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service or exposure to trichloroethylene.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, erectile dysfunction, chloracne, skin cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease as these conditions have already been granted in a February 2021 rating decision.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a pulmonary disability, including COPD, being related to service or herbicide exposure. The VA examiners' opinions were found more probative than the lay statements.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left foot disability was dismissed as she requested to withdraw her appeal. The Board also remanded cases for respiratory, right foot, and upper back or neck disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for vertigo, COPD, and a skin disorder other than pseudofolliculitis barbae due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. A VA examination is required for each claim.

The Board denied service connection for various knee, ankle, and back disabilities as well as COPD. The Veteran's pre-existing left knee condition was not aggravated by service, and there is no evidence of a current disability related to his right knee or ankles that can be linked to service. Service connection for COPD was also denied due to lack of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service, and a VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed respiratory condition (including COPD, asthma, and bronchitis) are etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's cause of death was interstitial lung disease, COPD, and rheumatic arthritis. The Board found that these conditions were not related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of increased rating for tinnitus and service connection for COPD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of COPD and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the disorder and active duty.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are remanded due to the need for VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service, specifically herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, finding that it is not related to his service-connected PTSD or agent orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for a respiratory disability and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection is not granted for either condition as there is no direct evidence linking them to service.

The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.