COPD decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and potential herbicide exposure during service, as well as his service in Vietnam. The case will be reviewed again with these issues addressed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during service and other relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Service connection for colon cancer and any residuals thereof, as well as COPD and CAD secondary to COPD are granted due to exposure to radioactive materials during service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA medical records and an inadequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service, including asbestos exposure, and if his service-connected COPD has caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and COPD, as well as his claim for TDIU. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of asthma or COPD, and that any such conditions were not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, but the claims for diverticulitis, skin cancer, and eye disability are remanded due to inadequate opinions regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his COPD, including exercise capacity testing. The claim for TDIU is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his cause of death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to service. The claim for accrued benefits was also denied due to untimely filing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between his current diagnosis and his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is aggravated by his service-connected IHD, atrial fibrillation, and SSS.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than fifty percent for obstructive sleep apnea with pleural fibrosis is denied. The issue of entitlement to separate compensation for shortness of breath and fatigue associated with pleural fibrosis, rib pain, and cracked vertebrae in the neck are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or causation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD, cause of death, and benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the cause of death due to incomplete development and need for additional opinions.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a lack of nexus between the Veteran's active duty service and conditions listed on his death certificate.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address service connection and rating issues related to COPD, low back disorder, left knee strain, and left knee instability.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and CAD, finding no link between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, as currently diagnosed, is granted. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease and neck disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection claims, including an addendum medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of COPD.