COPD decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. Specifically, a new VA examination is needed for bilateral hearing loss, research must be conducted regarding potential asbestos exposure during service, and an addendum opinion on the relationship between tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea needs to be provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including emphysema and COPD, finding that there was no credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for COPD, were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection under the applicable regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, including bronchiectasis and COPD, due to the need for additional development. Specifically, a new medical opinion is required to address whether the Veteran's current lung conditions are related to in-service exposure to exhaust fumes and fuel.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current respiratory conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for COPD and sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's enlarged spleen as secondary to his service-connected thrombocythemia progressing to myelofibrosis with splenomegaly. The claims of entitlement to service connection for COPD and CHF are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

Service connection for asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis is granted due to presumed exposure to environmental toxins during service. Service connection for a menstrual disability is remanded.

Service connection for COPD is granted under the PACT Act, but the Board also considers whether service connection can be established based on direct exposure to fine particulate matter during the Gulf War.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was not caused by or related to service, including in-service Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, BPH, skin cancer, and COPD due to in-service herbicide exposure. The RO must obtain an adequate etiological opinion that considers the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms during service and his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on the Veteran's respiratory disabilities and their relationship to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability and residuals of bronchial pneumonia including COPD, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service. The claim for bilateral leg cramps is remanded.,Service connection was denied for low back disability due to lack of in-service injury or disease and no current disability related to service. Service connection was also denied for residuals of bronchial pneumonia including COPD as there was no evidence of an in-service respiratory condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma, lung cancer, COPD, and tuberculosis. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred during active or ACDUTRA military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tuberculosis, fatigue, and COPD as they are related to his service. The VA is directed to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether any residuals from the positive tuberculosis tine test in April 1972 caused or aggravated his current lung problems including COPD and/or fatigue.

The Veteran's current COPD and lung nodules are related to his exposure to asbestos in service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and the relationship between his respiratory disabilities and military service. The VA will conduct further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and chronic respiratory failure/insufficiency, and remanded the issues of service connection for a sleep disorder (to include sleep apnea) and TDIU. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's asthma with COPD is currently rated at 30 percent since June 15, 2022. The case is remanded for further development including scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his respiratory disability and considering alternative arrangements if necessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, as they are related to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examination was conducted but no medical opinion was provided.