COPD decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD and hypertension due to outstanding private treatment records. The claims will be reviewed again after obtaining these records.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), left upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to potential outstanding SSA records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung disabilities and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, emphysema, arteriosclerotic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, PVD, and diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, lung conditions, and bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate examination reports and failure to provide substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and residuals of a dental injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure history and etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a 100% disability rating for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder is granted from August 31, 2012. The issue of TDIU due to the psychiatric disorder is dismissed as moot. Service connection for COPD and heart disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leading to the dismissal of these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding service connection for right hip disability, left hip disability, and COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's COPD rating and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further examination of his COPD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development and opinions regarding exposure to asbestos, as well as the etiology of his respiratory and gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a respiratory condition, including COPD. The Veteran's claim for COPD is remanded due to inadequate rationale in the VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, lung disorder including a persistent cough, asthma, and COPD, and pneumonia. The cause of death claim is also remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, as well as the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the Veteran's claimed service in Vietnam from December 1968 to May 1969 and his exposure to herbicide agents at MCAS El Toro, California.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected COPD with exercise-induced asthma is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding the Veteran's lung conditions and their relation to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is denied as there is no evidence of a TBI during or after service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory/lung disability, neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, and neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease and major depressive disorder. Service connection for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and eczema were denied due to lack of evidence supporting their relationship with the Veteran's service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of partially missing left thumb, residuals of broken nose, and COPD are remanded due to the lack of available medical records.