COPD decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding obtaining additional medical records and conducting VA medical opinions related to asbestos exposure and COPD.

Your appeal for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been dismissed as the Veteran passed away during the pendency of this appeal.

The Board has remanded both claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to inadequate nexus opinions provided by the VA. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos and toxic fumes.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and will need to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, prepare his own meals, and protect himself from daily hazards. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC(l).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, tonsilitis, emphysema, COPD, gastritis, granulomatous disease, leukemia, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancer, and multiple myeloma. The reasons provided include a lack of evidence supporting the presence of these conditions during or approximate to the pendency of the claims.

The Board denied service connection for COPD due to a lack of evidence linking the condition to asbestos exposure during service.,Service connection was also denied for Parkinsonism as there is no evidence of its manifestation within one year following separation from active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for migraines and respiratory disorders due to a failure in providing VA examinations that address direct service connection, secondary service connection, and aggravation. The Veteran's exposure during service is linked to Gulf War operations.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service or toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not rated higher than noncompensable, his right knee disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 16, 2019 or 30 percent from September 1, 2020, and he failed to establish service connection for chronic bronchitis (COPD), fungal infection, left knee disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left elbow disorder, or diabetes.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided were inadequate for review, particularly regarding the Veteran's exposure to diesel engine emissions during service. The claim is being remanded to obtain a new opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of multiple conditions due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine due to additional development being necessary, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD is granted. The claim for service connection of OSA is remanded due to failure to substantially comply with the July 2020 Board decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a respiratory disorder (claimed as asthma and COPD), and Parkinson's disease. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence submitted in connection with the supplemental claim, warranting readjudication of the claim for service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of more than 30 percent for asthma was denied. Service connection for COPD, right knee disorder (DJD), left knee disorder (DJD), bilateral pes planus due to aggravation of a pre-existing disability, and cardiac disorder (arrhythmia) were all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and COPD have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from February 3, 2005. Dependents' Educational Assistance is granted from the same date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no evidence linking his exposure to TCDD and the development of COPD. The Veteran's STRs do not mention any treatment for breathing issues during service, and a VA examination found that smoking was more likely the cause of his current COPD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is at least as likely as not related to his current condition. The decision also grants the reopening of the previously denied claim.