COPD decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating claims have been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for a gall bladder disability, pancreatic cancer, heart disability (also claimed as aneurysm), and lung disability (diagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were not pursued further.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart condition, including ventricular arrhythmia, as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The claims for COPD and knee conditions are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and none of his service-connected conditions were significant contributors to his death. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU as he could perform sedentary work despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, exacerbation of COPD, and multifocal pneumonia. The VA examiner concluded that the service-connected disabilities did not materially or substantially contribute to his death. However, the Board finds a need for additional development due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, and skin cancer are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as sepsis, intestinal obstruction, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his ACDUTRA service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, a collapsed lung disorder, and sinusitis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and COPD have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events. The claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD. The claim will be returned for further evaluation.

The Veteran's diagnosed COPD is at least as likely as not etiologically linked to his exposure to toxic substances during active military service, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and COPD, both related to exposure to herbicide agents in service, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's asbestosis with COPD is rated at 60 percent since August 20, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed COPD is at least as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to burn pits during deployment in Afghanistan. As a result, the claim for service connection for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for a special home adaptation grant as they do not result in blindness, anatomical loss or use of both hands, partial or full thickness burns, or inhalation injury residuals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD with bronchitis and asthma was denied in February 2007, but he appealed the decision. The Board granted service connection effective from February 6, 2006, and increased the rating to 60% effective May 14, 2012. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date for COPD with bronchitis and asthma, but this was denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted with a 10% rating. The PTSD with alcohol use disorder and COPD are denied as not warranting an increased rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea with COPD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found no evidence to support a higher rating due to lack of respiratory failure or tracheostomy.

The appellant withdrew her appeal for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also claimed as lung infection loss of lung). The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board denied service connection for cause of death due to COPD.