COPD decisions — 2021

The claim to reopen service connection for bronchitis has been granted. The claims for chronic bronchitis and COPD are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disorder, low back disorder, and respiratory disorder are all granted. The decision also notes that the claim of service connection for a low back disorder is reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam and a need for new VA examinations to determine the nature of his COPD and asthma.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating. The cervical spine disability appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and overlooked evidence regarding the Veteran's rib injury during service.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder, including pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and COPD. Additional development is required due to the complexity of the medical issues involved.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically his COPD and asthma. The VA is required to obtain a new examination to address these issues.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that his principal and contributory causes of death were not related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected COPD and pulmonary sarcoidosis prior to January 15, 2021 has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis and associated complications contributed to his death from COPD or coronary artery disease. The appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather a request for clarification on the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disorder manifesting as coughing and choking, with vomiting while coughing and a lot of mucous in the throat due to an undiagnosed illness. The decision is based on evidence that the Veteran's symptoms are manifestations of an undiagnosed illness arising from his service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete development of evidence, including verification of stressors and clarification of medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion is inadequate and there has not been substantial compliance with its prior remand. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, to include asthma and COPD, is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).,There is no evidence to support that the Veteran's current heart condition or COPD began during her military service.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection of a bowel condition, COPD, and sleep disturbance as secondary to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Veteran's kidney cancer was granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's lung disease, including whether it is at least as likely as not related to service and asbestos exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a pulmonary/respiratory disability, including as due to asbestos exposure, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and COPD are denied as there is no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during his military service.