COPD decisions — 2024

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngeal cancer, and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a direct relationship to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and COPD disabilities based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to asbestos and toxic gasses.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of COPD as there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error due to the RO not scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination before denying the claim. The Veteran claims his COPD is related to asbestos exposure during military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that his current disability is related to active service and specifically due to his in-service participation in a TERA involving burn pits. The decision resolves any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and COPD disabilities based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to toxic gasses and asbestos.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between his in-service exposure and his current condition. The primary cause of the Veteran's COPD is attributed to an extended history of smoking.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and COPD disabilities based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to toxic gasses and asbestos.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and COPD disabilities based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to asbestos and toxic gasses.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and a respiratory condition other than asthma (claimed as COPD), finding that new evidence supports these claims. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral eye nuclear sclerotic cataracts and residuals of loss of 15 teeth.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active-duty service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for respiratory disorders, including pulmonary fibrosis and COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to harmful substances.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD, is service connected. However, due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to carbon tetrachloride and asbestos, the Board has ordered additional development to verify these exposures.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since April 22, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for emphysema, COPD, and skin cancer of the face due to incomplete or inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to their death.

The appeal for service connection of COPD, emphysema, and asbestosis is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of COPD due to insufficient evidence at the time of the August 2021 rating decision. The Veteran's exposure in service is a basis for his claim, but there are no current medical records or opinions available.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA rating purposes.,The Veteran's respiratory disability (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Bronchitis) claim is denied as the causal relationship to service is not established.,The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis claim is denied as the condition existed prior to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to his service exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. As such, the claim for service connection for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's heart disability, respiratory disability, diabetes mellitus, and various peripheral neuropathies and radiculopathies are not service-connected. The cervical spine disability is also denied.