COPD decisions — 2023

Service connection for COPD is granted. Service connection for asthma is remanded.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, is being remanded for further examination and consideration due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased evaluation of PTSD with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger is denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for COPD pursuant to the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, kidney disorder, CVA residuals, heart disorder, COPD, and multiple myeloma, due to exposure to toxic substances during active service. The PACT Act requires a VA examination and medical opinion in these cases.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as COPD. The Board has determined that there is a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD, bronchitis and chest pains, on a secondary basis to his service-connected major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and lack of addressing all relevant evidence. The Veteran is presumed Gulf War veteran, and his symptoms have persisted since service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to drug use during service. The back disorder, GERD, trigger fingers in both hands, right shoulder disorder, hyperlipidemia, and respiratory disorder (likely COPD) claims are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of injury to the jaw and mouth, including a dental disorder, is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (likely referring to PTSD), hypertension, and right shoulder disorder claims are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, neurological disorder other than peripheral neuropathy, and respiratory disorder (COPD) due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions. Additional development is needed to determine whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records from November 2017 to November 2018 and from November 2022 to present. The Veteran's service connection claim for OSA is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Service connection is established for chronic sinusitis, allergic/atopic rhinitis, COPD, asthma, and IBS with chronic diarrhea due to exposure during the Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is at least as likely as not related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for COPD.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected beriberi did not contribute to his cardiopulmonary arrest and COPD. The appellant's claim was denied as there is no evidence showing a link between her husband's service-connected condition and his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for clarification of his pulmonary symptoms related to burn pit exposure during active duty.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and increased ratings due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for respiratory disabilities, including emphysema and COPD, is remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the relationship between in-service asbestos exposure and these conditions.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional heart disability caused or aggravated by treatment from VA medical professionals at a VA facility in March 2011 is also remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and asbestosis. The appeal is being remanded due to need for proper diagnosis of conditions, confirmation of exposure to fumes, asbestos, and herbicide agents, and opinions on etiology.

The Veteran's COPD with exercise-induced asthma has not more nearly approximated the criteria for a compensable rating, and thus his claim is denied.

Service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to service, including exposure to diesel fumes, and could potentially be secondary to his COPD.

The Board has dismissed all the claims related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions as the appellant died during the appeal process.