COPD decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions and failure to concede asbestos exposure during service. The Veteran's COPD is being reviewed again for a new opinion on its relationship to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and lung conditions to include COPD and sleep apnea due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's testimony will be considered in determining whether his current hearing loss, COPD, and sleep apnea are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and OSA due to inadequate medical opinions in November 2019. The VA must obtain updated treatment records, schedule the Veteran for a new examination, and provide an adequate opinion regarding the relationship between his conditions and service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence linking any service-connected disability to the Veteran's death or contributing substantially to it. The conditions listed on his death certificate were not associated with exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic disorder of the lungs, including COPD, due to exposure to mustard gas and chemicals in service. The Veteran's lung conditions were not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, particularly whether they are related to his service in Vietnam. The Veteran contends that he developed these conditions due to exposure to various hazardous chemicals while serving in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability, claimed as COPD and emphysema, due to inadequate medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders and whether they are related to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for COPD as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The Board granted service connection for bilateral optic neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches, a respiratory condition due to asbestos exposure, and a skin condition have all been denied.,There is no current evidence of a diagnosed headache disorder or respiratory condition related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD with emphysema, OSA, skin cancer, and PTSD due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is not established.

The Board denied service connection for a left lung condition, including COPD, as there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current condition and his exposure to herbicide agents during service. The pulmonologist found that the Veteran's left lung abnormality was likely benign and post-infections, unrelated to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for respiratory conditions, specifically asthma and COPD. The examiner needs to provide a direct incurrence opinion with rationale regarding exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches, lumbar spine disability, kidney disability, and COPD due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the cause of death and the relationship between asbestos exposure and heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, COPD) have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. He is granted a temporary total evaluation for PTSD hospitalization and a TDIU prior to June 1, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, COPD and asthma. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to noise and toxic chemicals, which are found to be related to his current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's COPD and his asbestos exposure during service. The claim will be reconsidered with additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and asthma, finding that the Veteran did not have a pre-existing condition in service or develop symptoms within one year of discharge. The evidence showed no signs or symptoms of COPD or asthma during service, and post-service diagnoses were many years after separation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. The VA needs to obtain service treatment records from Germany and provide an additional medical opinion considering the Veteran's exposure to toxic fumes in both Germany and Vietnam.