COPD decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 100 percent for COPD and associated conditions, including chronic pulmonary hypertension, from the date she filed her claim in April 2018.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's post-operative left inguinal hernia and abdominal scar, but has remanded the issue of service connection for COPD due to a predecisional duty to assist error. The COPD claim is now pending with instructions on how to obtain a supplemental medical opinion.

The Veteran's COPD is presumed to be related to exposure to environmental hazards, including burn pits and other toxins, while serving in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Service connection for COPD is granted under the PACT Act.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The claims for service connection on all listed conditions are not before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed COPD is related to his active service, specifically exposure to asbestos during his time on board the USS Hugh Purvis. After considering all evidence and opinions provided, the Board finds that the Veteran's current COPD is at least as likely as not caused by his in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's current COPD and sleep apnea are granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to toxic exposures including particulate matter, vehicle fumes, and burn barrels.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, right knee disability, and both foot disabilities. The Veteran was granted service connection for respiratory disorder (claimed as COPD) and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that his current condition is related to his period of active service, including exposure to jet fuel.

The Board has found that VA did not obtain all relevant Social Security Administration records, which may contain pertinent medical evidence. The case is therefore being remanded to allow for the retrieval of these records.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma is related to his in-service radiation exposure and service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there are no documented esophageal stricture symptoms.,Service connection for thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm remains remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and need for updated VA TERA memorandum and examination.,Service connection for asthma and COPD is also remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and need for updated VA TERA memorandum and examination.,The Veteran's asbestosis claim remains on hold pending resolution of the remaining claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error identified in the January 2025 rating decision, which included an inadequate VA examination report and failure to obtain necessary pulmonary testing.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and emphysema, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, OSA, and insomnia. The claims of service connection for OSA and insomnia are remanded due to a pre-decisional error.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, finding that the evidence did not support a link between his current respiratory conditions and his military service or his service-connected lupus.

The Veteran's rhinitis, bronchitis, and COPD are presumed to be related to exposure to environmental hazards in Saudi Arabia. Service connection for these conditions is granted pursuant to the PACT Act. The claim for service connection for fatigue is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of adequate VA examination reports, which are necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a failure to provide an adequate statement of reasons and bases in the March 2024 decision. Specifically, the Veteran's use of medication was not adequately explained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied in a previous decision. The Board has now granted the claim on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. The appeal for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in duty to assist, specifically regarding toxic exposure exposures during service and their impact on the Veteran's cause of death.