COPD decisions — 2024

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no new and relevant evidence to support the claim since the previous denial in January 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for respiratory disability, including chronic cough, COPD, and asthma, effective August 5, 2012. The appeal is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has already been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as he does not have a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (upper and lower extremities), erectile dysfunction, vestibular disability, skin condition, heart condition, and respiratory condition are remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.,The Veteran's claim for a bilateral kidney condition is remanded as it may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to obtain a VA Aid and Attendance medical examination for the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, higher ratings for heart disease and PTSD, and TDIU was denied. The Board found no evidence of current COPD or a relationship to service. For the heart condition, the rating criteria were not met as there was no evidence of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent.

The Board has identified errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist and has ordered additional records related to COPD and emphysema be obtained from Canyon Vista Medical Center and Dr. G.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected diabetes, which contributed to the development of restrictive lung disease. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and oxygen dependent was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to errors in the duty to assist and incomplete evidence. The RO must obtain an Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, full results of a June 2007 chest x-ray, a VA respiratory examination, and an addendum medical opinion regarding his toxic exposure risk activities.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no persuasive evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lumbar strain, and PTSD. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's COPD is rated at 60 percent since May 7, 2017. The Board found the evidence supported a 60 percent rating based on near constant cough and antibiotic usage.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's asthma and COPD, which are considered respiratory disorders. The claim will be reconsidered with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's heart disability is granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure. The COPD claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for COPD, increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II, and increased rating for scar to neck have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for COPD due to insufficient medical opinions and failure to consider other theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except tinnitus have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims by the Veteran. The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during the Vietnam War Era. Service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and military service.

Service connection is granted for COPD, omphalocele, and sleep apnea. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to a lack of proper consideration in the initial decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to establish service connection for COPD, and a VA examination is required to consider the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during his military service.