COPD decisions — 2022

The Veteran's benign pleural plaques, also addressed as calcification of the lungs, are related to exposure to asbestos while in service and granted service connection.,Service connection for COPD is denied as there is no evidence that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and headaches due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by these decisions.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA examination and medical opinion to address whether any current chronic lung conditions, including COPD and asthma, are related to service. The March 2022 VA examiner's opinion was found inadequate due to its reliance on only the March 2022 PFT report without considering other relevant evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that there was no in-service occurrence of her respiratory disorders and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between her current condition and service.

The Veteran's asthma and COPD with episodic pneumonia rating was restored to 100%, and his entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate was restored as well.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for tinnitus or bilateral hearing loss, and denied service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, liver and colon cancer, peripheral neuropathy, enlarged prostate, COPD, and basal cell carcinoma have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional VA opinions regarding the Veteran's MS, respiratory disorders, and cause of death claim.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is not related to his active duty service or any in-service injury. The evidence did not support a direct relationship between the Veteran's COPD and exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) or alleged asbestos exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for restrictive lung disease (claimed as COPD) and remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The case will be returned for further development and an additional medical opinion from outside the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD, diabetes, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have precluded him from engaging in gainful employment prior to May 4, 2021.

The Board denied service connection for lung disability, lung cancer, atrial fibrillation, squamous cell carcinoma, and lymphosarcoma. Special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and emphysema, is caused or aggravated by service exposure to asbestos. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability due to conflicting diagnoses and lack of a clear opinion on whether asthma is related to service. The Veteran's treatment records show he had upper respiratory infection in 1965, but no specific exposure to herbicides or other air pollution.

The Veteran's asbestosis is rated at 60 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms are primarily due to his nonservice-connected COPD and not his service-connected asbestosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and its relation to service. The issues of service connection for the cause of death and entitlement to burial benefits are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart condition, sinus condition, low back injury, and COPD due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed again as there is insufficient evidence or further clarification needed.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that the Veteran did not have an in-service event, injury, or disease. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA opinion to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability, including bronchitis and COPD, is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected CAD.