COPD decisions — 2022

The Veteran's COPD is caused by his service-connected fibrocystic lung disease, and the claim for service connection for COPD as secondary to service-connected fibrocystic lung disease is granted. The initial rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis remains at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea due to missing medical records and the need for a VA opinion.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for residuals of lung cancer prior to August 4, 2014, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to non-recurrence or metastasis and residual COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence showing periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) that were previously not associated with the claims file. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory disability is related to his service or a period of ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for stable recurrent paroxysmal atrial tachycardia was denied. The claim for service connection for COPD, which is presumed due to exposure to burn pits during active duty in Saudi Arabia, was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development regarding asbestos exposure and a need for an addendum medical opinion on the etiology of COPD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, acid reflux, and back injury with bilateral nerve impairment due to insufficient consideration of potential service connection.,Specifically, the VA is requested to obtain an etiology opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding service connection for COPD. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the current COPD condition is related to a post-operative pneumothorax during service.

The Veteran's COPD and right eye cataracts with pseudophakia are granted as service-connected, based on direct evidence of their onset during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and in-service asbestos exposure or any other service-related injury.

The Board denied service connection for cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's bowel obstruction, septic shock, and COPD to his military service or exposure to asbestos. The Board found that these conditions were not related to service.

The Board has remanded the claim due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives and a need for an opinion from a pulmonologist.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for residuals of a jaw and gum injury.,Service connection is also remanded for respiratory disease (COPD and asthma).

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition.,The appellant's claim for accrued benefits submitted more than one year after the Veteran's death is untimely.

The Board has ordered a remand for the VA to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's lung/respiratory disabilities are related to service, including presumed inservice herbicide exposure. The examiner should consider all relevant factors and provide a rationale for their opinions.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and service, including presumed exposure to herbicides or rock dust. The Veteran's COPD was diagnosed more than 40 years after service separation and is believed to be related to his smoking history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for respiratory and prostate conditions, as they are related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and provide addendum opinions from a qualified clinician.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD has been dismissed due to his death.

The appeal for service connection for pulmonary emphysema is dismissed. The case of service connection for COPD is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no persuasive evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and in-service asbestos exposure.