COPD decisions — 2024

The Veteran's hypertension, BPH, skin cancer, and COPD are granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for metastatic gastric cancer and the cause of death. The Veteran's claims are being returned to VA for additional development, including obtaining medical records and completing a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA) memorandum.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of such condition and thus not meeting the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) and the issue of increased ratings for cervical degenerative disc disease is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left leg disability, lung disability, and TDIU claim. The specific exposures during service are being considered in these assessments.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD and OSA due to insufficient medical opinions addressing relevant evidence, including service treatment records and the Veteran's testimony.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to support his claims. The Veteran is now granted service connection for hypertension (HTN), erectile dysfunction (ED), a respiratory condition including bronchial asthma/COPD, a lumbar spine disability, restless leg syndrome of both lower extremities, gout, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between asbestos exposure and lung conditions, including COPD. The VA will need to obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and a respiratory disability due to exposure to burn pits during his military service. The cases are being sent back for further examination and opinion under the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as well as granted remand of the rating decisions for thoracolumbar degenerative disc condition, respiratory condition (including asthma and COPD), migraines, and TBI with photophobia.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right shoulder disorders due to the lack of current diagnoses. The respiratory disorder (COPD and Asthma) is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus does not render him unemployable, and his heart disorder is not shown to be related to herbicide exposure or secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, including for his respiratory disability, GERD, lipoma, allergic rhinitis, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, dizziness, and low back condition. The examination is also necessary to address the impact of toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) on these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left arm, back, right eye, and COPD disorders due to a bar on VA compensation benefits based on his Other Than Honorable Conditions discharge from the Coast Guard.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for COPD, to include shortness of breath, has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board has remanded three issues: respiratory disability, initial compensable rating for lung cancer and right lobectomy, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The remand requires additional VA medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, as well as a determination regarding his eligibility for special monthly compensation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for COPD, finding that VA treatment did not cause his condition and that there was no evidence of carelessness or negligence on VA's part.

PTSD and COPD have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure during service. Left knee degenerative arthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease have also been granted.,Right knee issues, including limitation of flexion, extension, lateral instability, and partial removal of semilunar cartilage, are all granted.