COPD decisions — 2024

The Veteran's scar on the upper right back was granted service connection, while his claims for tinnitus, periodontal disease, tuberculosis, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, headaches, dementia, and chronic diarrhea were denied. The claim for service connection of bronchiectasis is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema and COPD is being remanded due to the need for clarification of a medical opinion regarding the role of TERA exposures in his condition.

The appeal of the right wrist disorder claim is dismissed. The claims for cervical and/or lumbar spine disorder, diabetes mellitus Type II (DM II), respiratory/pulmonary disorder other than asthma and allergic rhinitis, cholecystectomy disease, and body joint pain are all granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders and considering his chemical exposures during service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ear hearing loss has been denied as his current level of disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Board is remanding the issues of service connection for low back disability, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's National Guard service dates.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and potential service connection for underlying conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, COPD, and sinusitis due to a lack of VA examinations in support of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the claim of service connection for COPD due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied. The Veteran's asthma with COPD is rated at 100 percent effective November 1, 2023. The Veteran's TDIU claim as of November 1, 2023, is dismissed due to the grant of a 100% disability rating for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a lung condition was dismissed because the Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 10182) was not filed within one year from the date of the issuance of a notice for a rating decision that adjudicated the issue.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic kidney disease and COPD were denied due to his failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD, emphysema, and major depressive disorder due to duty-to-assist errors and inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and right side of face injury were dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea prevented her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment for the period under review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is required to determine if COPD is related to service exposure.

The Veteran's COPD is related to in-service fiberglass exposure and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The issues of service connection for a back disability, COPD, and TDIU are not currently before the Board.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Parkinson's disease, COPD, and the Veteran's cause of death due to procedural errors in the duty to assist. The AOJ is required to conduct further development regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxic hazardous chemicals during his service at Vint Hill Farms Station.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's COPD and his service, including exposure to asbestos. A new VA examination is required.