COPD decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and COPD are being remanded due to incomplete personnel records that need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD with shortness of breath, emphysema, and bronchitis due to a duty to assist error regarding alleged asbestos exposure during military service. The AOJ is instructed to develop this claim and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's diagnosed respiratory disorders of COPD, chronic bronchitis, and asthma are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and TDIU due to asbestosis and COPD, with a focus on resolving conflicting opinions regarding causation of COPD prior to August 13, 2018.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and COPD are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that hypertension was more likely than not caused by herbicide agent exposure during active service. The decision is based on a new VA opinion supporting this conclusion.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to assess the Veteran's respiratory condition and determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected carcinoma of the lung.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee disability is granted. The respiratory disability claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and COPD, but denied service connection for atopic dermatitis, hypertension, and a left ankle disorder. The decision is based on the evidence showing these conditions are not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA treatment records from 2014 and the need for an opinion on the etiology of COPD, including consideration of private medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD. The AOJ failed to obtain a VA opinion on whether the Veteran's COPD is related to herbicide agent exposure and exposure to burning sewage, jet fuel, and aircraft fumes.

The Veteran's COPD is granted as service connected due to exposure to asbestos during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Appellant and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's COPD. The Nehmer review of the Veteran's file is also required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, particularly his current asthma and COPD. The VA is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has determined that new evidence received since the November 2011 rating decision warrants readjudication of the claim for service connection for fatigue as secondary to service-connected COPD with obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's current evaluation for COPD remains at 60 percent, and the criteria do not support an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's COPD is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his period of active service. The TDIU claim is remanded for further review.

The Board has decided the claim is remanded due to inadequate opinions and need for further examination regarding exposure to environmental hazards during service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee condition.,Service connection for COPD and asthma is granted, with the Board finding that these conditions are related to in-service exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to his in-service exposure to chemicals and herbicides. The case will be returned for further evaluation.