COPD decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his causes of death, which were respiratory failure due to pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's causes of death to his in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents and the need for additional medical opinions on various musculoskeletal conditions, liver condition, bladder cancer, chronic kidney disease, respiratory condition, and colon condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for COPD and remanded the other issues. The Veteran's VA records, including those from SSA, need to be obtained.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and denied DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, finding no evidence linking the Veteran's COPD to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD has been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to in-service events.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension with nosebleeds was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability, including as due to asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorder, and low back disorder due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the previous remand.

Service connection for COPD is granted. Service connection for a neck disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA opinion to determine if COPD is related to service or caused by asbestosis, a condition already found service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss render him so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's lung disease did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the cause of death and its relation to service. The Veteran died from COPD, which may or may not be related to his military service exposure to jet fuel.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Korea and the relationship between his COPD and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion, and requests that updated treatment records be obtained. The Veteran's respiratory disability is also being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded for a more recent VA audiological examination.,The Veteran's respiratory disability and headache disorder claims are remanded due to inadequate April 2018 VA examinations.,The Veteran's intervertebral disc disease (IVDS) claim is remanded for a thorough and well-reasoned opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his lower back disorder.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded for a nexus opinion, as the April 2018 VA examination was inadequate.,The Veteran's congestive heart failure claim is remanded due to its inextricability with the remanded hypertension and respiratory disorder claims.,The Veteran's bilateral eye disabilities claim is remanded for further evidentiary development based on his lay assertions regarding the onset of symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and Asthma, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was granted. The other claims were remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is not related to service exposure. The evidence shows a long history of smoking which is considered the primary cause of his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to satisfy its duty to assist, and an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, asthma, COPD, gout, and right ankle disability due to further development being required.