COPD decisions — 2024

The Veteran's COPD is found to be related to his exposure to toxic herbicides during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted.,A 60 percent rating for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's asthma with COPD is rated at 60 percent, indicating moderate disability in breathing.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are remanded due to errors in obtaining and reviewing VA treatment records prior to August 2019, as well as failing to schedule a VA examination.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to a withdrawal by the Veteran. The claims of service connection for high blood pressure and sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and PTSD have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's asthma, COPD, and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected on a direct basis. The Board found the evidence in approximate balance regarding the onset of his respiratory symptoms during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the need for regular aid and attendance, as he is capable of performing most activities of daily living with assistance from his informal caretaker.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is caused by his service-connected hypertension, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for aortic aneurysm, cerebrovascular small vessel disease, emphysema, and COPD are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The service connection claim for a back disability as secondary to his bilateral knee disabilities is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in VA examiner opinions regarding the Veteran's METs level and COPD diagnosis. The case is returned for further clarification from a qualified clinician.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding a disability rating for COPD with asbestos-related pleural plaques, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's respiratory disability, presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure, needs clarification.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and a remand is necessary to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, including emphysema and/or COPD. An addendum opinion is required to determine if her condition is related to service exposure or toxic exposure risk activities.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted, and his initial rating in excess of 10 percent for emphysema and COPD is denied. The Veteran is granted TDIU prior to November 21, 2022, but the issue is dismissed as moot from that date onwards.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no causal relationship between his current diagnosis and his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is rated at 50 percent, requiring the use of a breathing assistance device such as CPAP.

The Board has determined that the current medical opinion is inadequate and requires further examination to determine if any of the identified respiratory disorders are related to or had its onset in service, and whether they were caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.