COPD decisions — 2023

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and pulmonary calcified granulomas, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to in-service asbestos exposure.

Service connection for COPD is granted. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim, including secondary service connection and aggravation issues, are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective November 1, 2022. The claim for a respiratory disorder remains pending and requires further development to verify in-service exposure and obtain medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to inadequate evaluations of the Veteran's low back strain and COPD with OSA.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left wrist disability, left foot disability, bronchial asthma, and COPD due to incomplete evidence. The Veteran is required to provide his Naval Reserve duty dates and must undergo VA examinations for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, COPD, and a psychiatric disability are all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or causation to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and sleep apnea due to potential toxic exposure during his military service. The Veteran was exposed to asbestos, JP-5 fuel, and other chemicals as a Boiler Technician.

The Veteran's appeals for special monthly compensation based on being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance, as well as a temporary total evaluation for convalescence due to immobilization of left achilles tendinitis, were both denied by the Board.

The Veteran's lung disability, diagnosed as COPD, is being remanded for further evaluation due to insufficient consideration of medical literature and lay statements regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death, finding that hypertension was not a significant contributor to the Veteran's heart disease and did not substantially contribute to his cause of death. The cause of death listed on the death certificate was lobar pneumonia, chronic respiratory failure, and severe COPD.

The Board has dismissed all service connection appeals due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and medical opinions, as the PACT Act requires such examinations if evidence of participation in toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) is provided. The claims are related to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has vacated the July 2023 decision and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's appeal is being addressed due to a duty to assist error in obtaining a VA examination regarding his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a respiratory disability other than service-connected allergic rhinitis. The claims for hysterectomy, hysterectomy scar(s), and radiculopathy are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for asthma, COPD, and bronchitis, which he claims are related to his military service exposure to asbestos and dust.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a back disability, respiratory disability (COPD), hepatitis C, and balance issues due to VA's failure to substantially comply with its previous remand instructions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds another remand necessary to address his claim for an increased rating.,Service connection for COPD is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of consideration of lay evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory symptoms since service.

Service connection for COPD is dismissed as the claim has been rendered moot by a subsequent grant of service connection. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to its inextricability with the pending service connection for COPD. The COPD claim is currently under review.