COPD decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an opinion from the Director of Compensation Service regarding whether his service-connected disabilities raise a reasonable possibility that he is unemployable.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and the cause of death due to COPD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of COPD was established, and there is a positive nexus opinion linking the Veteran's COPD to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain any substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted as it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The issues of service connection for respiratory condition and left fibula fracture are remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his cause of death, and thus the claim for service connection for cause of death is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of COPD and diabetes mellitus, type II for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD with asthmatic bronchitis, finding that the Veteran's exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station while in service is at least as likely as not related to his current condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to internal inconsistencies and insufficient opinions in previous examinations. The claims include respiratory disorders, diabetes mellitus type II, and a liver disorder.

The Veteran's lung disorders, including interstitial lung disease and COPD, are not service-connected.,VA compensation for a lung disorder due to VA treatment for high cholesterol is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and COPD as there is no evidence of a current respiratory condition related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and OSA, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service. The evidence did not support a presumption of Gulf War Illness or direct causation.

The Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection for COPD is granted. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of her COPD and whether it is related to or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death may be related to his service-connected bronchial asthma with emphysema, and a VA examination is needed to determine if this condition caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has added entitlement to service connection for COPD as an issue on appeal. The Veteran's representative submitted a statement contending that asbestos exposure was related to both restrictive and obstructive lung function, causing functional impairment. Remand is required for new opinions addressing the conflicting evidence of record.

The Veteran's COPD is being remanded due to the need for further verification of his Vietnam service and a new VA medical opinion regarding exposure to asbestos, herbicide agents, and aviation fuels.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his exposure to jet engine fumes during military service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD/emphysema and pulmonary nodules, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not manifest during or as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's lung disability, diagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, was found to have existed prior to service. The VA examiners concluded that the preexisting condition did not worsen during service but continued to cause symptoms similar to those experienced before service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including service personnel records and post-service medical records. The appeal is also being remanded to provide notice regarding herbicide exposure and secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to Agent Orange exposure in service.