COPD decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, specifically due to exposure to TCE and bronchitis during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for colon cancer with partial colectomy, lung cancer residuals, and COPD due to asbestos exposure. Additional development is needed to verify any potential exposure to asbestos during the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate disorder and COPD, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the claims for a respiratory disability and TDIU due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding the Veteran's exposure to chemicals in barracks and cold weather in Germany. The case will be returned for further review.

Service connection for COPD is granted from August 10, 2022, due to exposure to fine particulate matter during service in the Persian Gulf. The Veteran's PTSD and hypertension are not rated higher.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed pulmonary disorder, including interstitial lung disease and COPD. The examiner should consider the impact of the Veteran's history of smoking on his pulmonary disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including treatment records from private doctors and University of Colorado Hospital. The claims are also remanded for a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, peripheral neuropathy of both lower and upper extremities, and Parkinson's disease due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran asserts that his conditions are related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected or compensable disability, and he had no established service connection for any conditions at the time of his death. The claim is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, finding that his symptoms began during active service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease and remanded other issues related to heart disability, respiratory disability, colorectal cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, TDIU, and basic eligibility for DEA.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for respiratory disorder, heart disorder, and right ear hearing loss due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for these conditions based on asbestos exposure, noise exposure, or as aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of COPD.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, attributing it to post-service smoking and exposure to hazardous materials. The Veteran's lung diseases were not found to be caused by herbicide agents or asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and COPD on a presumptive basis due to exposure to burn pits during service, as well as service connection for lung nodules. Service connection for a lung disability due to asbestos exposure is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for COPD. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disorder, left knee disorder, and left ankle disorder are denied. The claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions and their relationship to service, specifically exposure to chemicals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lung condition, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any such conditions related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, respiratory disorders, lung nodule, gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and irritable bowel syndrome are all granted service connection. The hypertension claim is denied.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder, and nightmare disorder) is granted based on in-service stressors and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right great toe injury, lung condition (to include COPD), and chronic headaches.,There were no findings regarding exposure basis or presumption. The appeal was not about service connection to the PACT Act, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War, or any other specific exposure.