COPD decisions — 2023

The Veteran's pulmonary amyloidosis with COPD and emphysema has been granted a 60% rating since January 18, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the relationship between his respiratory condition and military service, including exposure to hazardous fumes. The Veteran is also requested to provide additional information regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if any of the claimed conditions were caused or aggravated by the Veteran's AML and/or treatments for AML prior to July 16, 2008.

The Veteran's COPD, a progression from chronic bronchitis, is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation to determine if the Veteran's disability warrants a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD as being secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's asthma and COPD are presumed to have been incurred in active service. The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding any other respiratory disorder, including bronchitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD, joint pain, muscle fatigue and pains, dizziness with disorientation, psychiatric disorder, headaches, and diarrhea due to incomplete development and lack of recent medical records.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, OSA, and an initial disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II. The matter is being remanded due to inadequate development.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if 'undetermined natural causes' qualifies as an undiagnosed illness under VA regulations and whether COPD contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and opinion regarding service connection for asbestosis, COPD, and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the need for regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform self-care activities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a breathing condition, other than COPD, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis was denied. The Board found that the pre-existing hay fever did not worsen during service and concluded that sinusitis is less likely related to military service.

The Veteran's COPD is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected CAD with unstable angina, considering the August 2019 private opinion of Dr. M.B. stating that the Veteran's COPD was caused or aggravated by his CAD.

The Veteran's cannabis use disorder is not service-connected as it is a primary alcohol abuse disability.,There are no diagnosed elbow, ankle, or thumb conditions in the Veteran's service records.

The Board has remanded the claims for emphysema, COPD, and lung cancer due to in-service exposure to jet fuel, exhaust fumes, and other chemicals. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of any asbestos exposure during service and obtain a VA medical examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed lung disorders.

The Board has remanded the claim for an adequate VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is related to his in-service chemical exposure or treatment for pneumonia.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA pulmonologist to address whether any of the Veteran's lung disorders were caused by his in-service exposure to lead-based paints, various contaminants, and/or asbestos fibers aboard the USS Moale. The case is now pending further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's COPD. The appellant is also requested to provide SSA disability records and confirm that all available STRs are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted service connection. The left ankle disability, hypertension, bilateral foot disability, respiratory disorder, and bilateral eye disorder claims are being remanded for further development.