COPD decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for COPD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his obstructive sleep apnea exacerbated and decreased his lung capacity, leading to exacerbations of his COPD.

The Veteran's OSA is rated at 50 percent, and he is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The decision also notes that a remand is required to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors regarding the bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of COPD is related to exposure to cordite powder and probable exposure to asbestos and tear gas during service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for respiratory disabilities is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding whether his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder caused him to use tobacco products, and if so, whether this use was a substantial factor in causing his COPD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, COPD, joint pains, right arm ulnar nerve entrapment, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or relationship to service.,Service connection was granted for COPD due to exposure to burn pits during service in the Gulf War.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for COPD, allergic rhinitis, and a left shoulder disability as these claims have been fully granted in an October 2023 rating decision.,Service connection is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to outstanding VA and private treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA opinions and missing medical records. The issues include respiratory disability, hypertension secondary to PTSD, and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD, including as due to asbestos exposure, is service-connected. The decision grants this claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and COPD due to insufficient medical opinions addressing relevant theories of causation, including obesity as an intermediate step in causing sleep apnea. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions on these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current lung conditions and his military service, including exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's service connection claims for COPD and sarcoidosis are granted as both conditions were caused by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death and whether peptic ulcer is related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding COPD. The appeals to reopen service connection for headaches and hearing loss were granted, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for respiratory condition, to include chronic bronchitis and COPD.,The Board also denied service connection for a disability characterized by recurrent nosebleeds.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, skin disability, and TDIU prior to September 15, 2017 due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The VA is instructed to obtain additional evidence and provide another examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD, lumbar spine disability, and GERD due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's service records show treatment for respiratory issues in service, but VA examiners have provided conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the Veteran's cause of death due to new and material evidence. However, the case is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary condition, including frequent pneumonia, asthma, and COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an opinion regarding the relationship between his in-service herbicide exposure and his current conditions.

The Veteran's Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ACD) is granted. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Heart Diseases, other than ACD.