COPD decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and COPD, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise to support these conditions as being related to service.,Both sleep apnea and COPD are now considered service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis. The issues of service connection for COPD and asthma are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear documentation used as a basis for the original and amended death certificate, requiring clarification of the cause of death.

The appeal for service connection and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and asthma, due to inadequate medical examination. The case is being returned for further proceedings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, specifically asthma and COPD. The VA examiner was asked to provide an addendum opinion addressing these conditions in relation to active service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and a respiratory condition, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and active service.,The Veteran's claims were based on exposure to chemicals at Fort Ord and Gordon, but the Board found no credible evidence linking his current conditions to this exposure.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his case. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's daughter is not eligible for accrued benefits or substitution due to her age and lack of evidence showing she bore the expense of last sickness and burial.

The Veteran's death was caused by severe end-stage COPD with chronic ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the DIC claim as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lung condition, including asthma and COPD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and respiratory disability due to inadequate medical opinions and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD and COPD have been found to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment, leading to a TDIU. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD and bronchitis due to insufficient compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, COPD, sleep apnea, a heart condition, and retinal artery occlusion of the right eye. The remand requires additional medical opinions to address whether these conditions are related to in-service brain injuries or other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and to obtain supplemental VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for COPD and emphysema due to in-service asbestos exposure, but lacks sufficient evidence to make a decision.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for COPD is granted, and the appeal is allowed in part. The claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fatty liver disease, GERD, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 18, 2018 for tinnitus is denied.,The claims for reopening of service connection for thyroid cancer and abdominal aortic aneurysm are granted.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for renal cancer, COPD, back injury with bilateral nerve impairment, acid reflux, IBS, left leg injury/muscle injury, right leg injury/muscle injury, shrapnel wounds on back and legs, disability of the sternum, soft tissue sarcoma, and diabetes mellitus type II are all denied.,Service connection for PTSD is granted from January 18, 2018 to January 10, 2019 with a rating of 70 percent.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and lung condition (COPD) as the evidence did not support a link to active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents or lead. The Veteran's current conditions were found to be unrelated to his military service.