COPD decisions — 2026

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

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, COPD, emphysema, hypertension, and a stroke. The VA examiner found these conditions less likely than not related to his in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).,The Board finds the VA examination opinions inadequate due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's potential exposures during active-duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. COPD is considered a disease associated with such exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, COPD, pancreatitis, stroke, and left arm weakness (claimed as secondary to stroke) based on the presumption of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or due to in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for COPD. The Veteran's COPD is presumed due to exposure to herbicides, but the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is related to in-service exposure.

The Veteran's lung condition, including pneumonia residuals, COPD, and emphysema, is remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service. The appeal is reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for an addendum medical opinion considering all theories of entitlement, including the Veteran's allegations of in-service toxin exposures.

The Veteran's mumps residuals claim is denied as there is no probative evidence of an in-service infection or related skin issues.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and left leg injury claims are denied due to lack of service connection. The COPD claim is granted based on presumptive exposure to environmental hazards during the Gulf War.

The appeal seeking readjudication of the previously denied claim for PTSD and multiple other conditions is dismissed due to a procedural defect. The Veteran's authorized representative at the time the appeal was submitted did not have the authority to file the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a pulmonary disability, including asthma and COPD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his surgeries during active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for COPD due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for a supplemental medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, Depression, Alcohol Use Disorder (Substance Abuse), Respiratory Disorder, Hypertension, Low Back Pain, Neck Disability, Migraine Headaches, and Right Arm Residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.,Specifically, the VA needs to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors, obtain VA medical opinions regarding his mental health conditions, respiratory disorder, hypertension, low back and neck pain, and migraine headaches, and provide a VA examination for his right arm residuals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for artery disease, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal to reduce the ratings for OSA and COPD with asthma and granuloma of the lung was denied, as well as his attempt to add a claim for service connection for aphasia secondary to TBI. The appeals were dismissed due to untimeliness.

The Veteran's service connection claims for dermatitis/eczema, sleep apnea, a psychiatric disorder (including MDD and PTSD), hypertension, COPD, low back disorder, and prostate cancer are all granted. The Board found that the evidence supported these determinations based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's COPD is granted as service connected. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and loss of balance are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including PTSD, eye disability, nose disability, gum disease, COPD, respiratory disability, kidney disease, and foot disabilities due to a lack of credible evidence supporting the occurrence of in-service stressors or injuries.