COPD decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the October 2021 rating decision and the need for updated court findings. The Veteran's disability claims are also being reviewed.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma, sleep apnea, COPD, and asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not have their onset during service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his in-service exposure to asbestos or other harmful chemicals to his COPD and subsequent fatal cardiopulmonary arrest. The long period without any manifestations of COPD after discharge from active service also weighed against a finding of a connection.

The Board denied service connection for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding whether COPD is related to service or caused by PTSD, specifically addressing symptoms present in 1970 and their relation to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic respiratory and lung disabilities, including those related to herbicide exposure, are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for COPD and TDIU prior to May 18, 2011 have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his Legacy appeal by opting into the modernized review system under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected. The respiratory disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD is granted, and he is now eligible for a TDIU effective August 1, 2019. However, the Board denied his request for an earlier effective date for the TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected TB.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence suggesting possible asbestos exposure during service, and a need for an addendum opinion on whether this exposure is related to COPD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, secondary to herbicide agent exposure, is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurocognitive disorder, secondary to PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 23, 2011, for the award of a TDIU is referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for consideration due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular and respiratory disabilities due to exposure to burn pits and nerve agents. The reasons include failure to consider evidence of early hypertension diagnosis, missing service treatment records, and improper narrowing of the scope of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lung conditions, specifically COPD and asbestosis. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are more likely than not related to service exposure to asbestos and/or perchloroethylene.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's respiratory disabilities are related to in-service immunizations.

The Veteran's death was due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune, and the Board has ordered a remand for further investigation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for skin cancer, COPD, and OSA due to a need for further examination and development of evidence. The issues are related to presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the effective date should be June 26, 2020. The evidence does not show an earlier claim or entitlement to TDIU prior to this date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's COPD and service, specifically his exposure to asbestos while serving aboard the U.S.S. Independence.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.