COPD decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the claims for service connection for COPD, asbestosis (claimed as shortness of breath due to asbestos and lung nodule), and emphysema. The evidence supports a link between these conditions and in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The Board noted conflicting opinions from medical providers regarding whether COPD is related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that there is a need for additional VA medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's causes of death, including pulmonary hypertension, COPD, and acute respiratory failure. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the claims of service connection for bronchial asthma with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a back disability, and residuals of a head injury. The claim for service connection for diabetes was denied due to lack of in-service event or disease, no herbicide exposure during service, and insufficient evidence linking current diabetes to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and/or asbestos exposure with pleural plaques, COPD, and asthma. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to inservice asbestos exposure.,Specifically, VA medical opinions concluded that the Veteran's current conditions are more likely due to his occupational exposure to asbestos over 40 years post-service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, concluding that the condition is not related to in-service exposures or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD with asbestos plaques and bilateral hearing loss prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions, and it is unclear if any of these were service-connected. The case is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding possible exposure to herbicide agents during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA respiratory examination.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, respiratory disability (COPD), vasovagal syncope, heart condition, and high blood pressure. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions began during or were related to his military service.,Service treatment records showed no findings of any current disabilities in question, and the Veteran consistently denied symptoms on medical history forms.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as secondary to adenocarcinoma of the lung, finding that the Veteran's COPD was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected adenocarcinoma.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and restrictive lung disease as the evidence did not show a link between these conditions and service, including in-service upper respiratory infections.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos in service and its relationship to his current respiratory disorder, asbestosis, COPD, left side/left lung area pain, and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Service connection is remanded for GERD and hiatal hernia, COPD, and left upper quadrant pain.

The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and COPD have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

Your claims for service connection for COPD and special monthly compensation due to housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance have been granted. The Board is dismissing these matters as they are no longer in dispute.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to right parotidectomy, COPD, myocardial infarction, HIV, left foot disability, left knee disability, and right leg disability.

The Veteran's cause of death is presumed to have been caused by his herbicide agent exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board finds service connection for the Veteran's cause of death is warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, but remanded the issues of service connection for asthma and bronchitis due to insufficient evidence.