COPD decisions — 2024

The Veteran's application for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The claims for service connection for bilateral fingers crush injury residuals, thoracolumbar spine disorder, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, kidney disease, urinary incontinence, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were all denied. Service connection for hypertension was granted based on the PACT Act.

The Veteran's asbestosis with COPD, along with other service-connected conditions, has been granted a 100% rating effective August 15, 2018. The decision also grants special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between his military service and/or herbicide exposure and his cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is proximately due to his exposure to hazardous chemicals during active service, and thus grants service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, heart disorders, erectile dysfunction, headaches, visual disorder, skin disorder, and respiratory disorder are all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA medical examination under the PACT Act.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service dates, lack of development regarding TERA participation and exposure, and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's respiratory disability is claimed as COPD and chronic bronchitis, and the examiner should consider all potential exposures during his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the examination and competency of the VA examiner, specifically regarding COPD.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for asthma, hypertension, plantar fasciitis, emphysema, GERD, and hyperlipidemia. The claim for service connection for COPD was reopened but denied due to lack of causal relationship with service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to outstanding medical records, including those from private providers. The VA is also requested to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities related to toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a rating higher than 20 percent for prostatitis and a compensable rating for history of pneumothorax, right. The Veteran's psychiatric disability claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives regarding income threshold and VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's COPD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The appellant is seeking service connection for COPD, but there is no clear evidence of a current disability or a link between service and COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased ratings for various disabilities, is inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain additional evidence. The appeals are therefore being remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and tuberculosis due to insufficient development, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding potential exposure to asbestos and diesel fuel during active duty.

The Veteran's COPD and Sleep Apnea have been rated at 50% since March 14, 2016. The rating is granted as the conditions meet the criteria for a disability rating of 50%.

The Veteran's bilateral gynecomastia was denied as it did not manifest in service or for years thereafter and has not been shown to be related to his military service.,The Veteran's COPD with pulmonary nodules was denied as the evidence does not show that FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO (SB), or maximum oxygen consumption meets the criteria for a 60% rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right foot disorder, left foot disorder, skeletal arthritis, sinus disorder, COPD, headaches, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, bilateral eye disorder, and ED due to lack of cooperation in providing necessary medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disease, finding that the Veteran's COPD and emphysema are less likely related to his military service due to his long history of smoking. The decision is based on the VA opinion which considered all relevant evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the case to consider service connection for acid reflux. The Veteran's COPD was not related to his in-service period, as there is no evidence of respiratory symptoms during service. His acid reflux may be related to service based on his lay statements.