COPD decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and asthma, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the cases for an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are related to asbestos exposure or herbicide agent exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disorder, COPD, and lung tumor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 13, 2021.

The Veteran's lung and skin disorders are remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD, as related to Gulf War syndrome and/or undiagnosed illness. The Board found that there was no evidence of exposure to Gulf War conditions or other in-service events that could have caused the current COPD diagnosis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for COPD and Asthma are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a high probability of exposure to asbestos during her military service, which is linked to her respiratory disorders.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure, nonrheumatic aortic (valve) stenosis, and unspecified atrial fibrillation. The Board has determined that the service connection for these conditions needs further clarification due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder tendonitis, left shoulder tendonitis, left elbow epicondylitis, right foot plantar fasciitis, and right wrist tendosynovitis. Service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also granted. The claim for erectile dysfunction (ED) was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The Board also found that COPD is not related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for COPD, asthma, and PAD due to herbicide agent exposure. The issue of hypertension is referred to the AOJ as it was not within the jurisdiction of the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% since November 21, 2017. He also has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more and he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation under the housebound rate.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to in-service herbicide exposure, effective prior to August 10, 2022. The claims for COPD, emphysema, and a colon condition are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a respiratory disorder is being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous instructions, including the failure to schedule an examination.

The Veteran's COPD, claimed as shortness of breath, is granted service connection.,Service connection for arthritis of the joints (other than bilateral knees, shoulders, and spine) is denied.,Service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,Service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches with dizziness, a skin disability (xerosis), and COPD. The COPD is presumed to have been incurred during service due to exposure to burn pits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, finding that his symptoms did not have their onset in service and are not etiologically related to his service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions and exposure to JP-4 jet fuel. The Veteran's right eye condition is reopened due to new evidence, but a VA examination is needed to adjudicate the claim. Other claims are also remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's COPD was granted an increased rating from 60% to 100% effective December 27, 2019.