COPD decisions — 2026

The Board denied service connection for a lung condition, including as secondary to major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's current lung conditions were not related to his in-service pneumonia.

The Veteran's COPD is presumed to be etiologically related to his in-service toxic exposure during service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, and thus service connection for COPD pursuant to the PACT Act is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA and COPD on a secondary basis, as well as the initial rating for constipation. The issues of entitlement to SMC-HB and TDIU have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current level of severity for COPD with asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis and plaques. The Veteran was previously rated at 30 percent but may be entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's COPD is related to his exposure to jet fuel, firefighting foam, and hydraulic fluid during service. The Board granted service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only due to his remaining functional use of his feet.

The Veteran's chronic coughing is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

Your appeal for a higher rating for COPD has been dismissed because the Board's decision addressed all issues in your appeals.

The Veteran's service connection for non-allergic rhinitis is granted due to presumed exposure to fine particulate matter during his service in Southwest Asia theater of operations.,The rating reduction for COPD from 10% to 0% was improper, and the 10% rating is restored.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 29, 2016 for a 30 percent disability evaluation for service-connected COPD with residuals of TB. The Veteran's TDIU application is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that his heart failure and COPD were not caused by or related to military service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's death was due to a combination of factors including smoking, obesity, and COPD.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, finding that the Veteran's current respiratory condition is related to his active-duty service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as both issues were improperly elected concurrently and no waiver of this prohibition was made.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service. The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all listed conditions was dismissed due to the untimely filing of a Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and Emphysema, finding that the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to toxic substances.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD due to in-service asbestos exposure and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. The decision is based on the Veteran's assertions, his military service history, and a positive medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical care and transportation provided by Meade County Ambulance on December 24, 2021, is granted subject to laws and regulations regarding payment. The Board found the evidence at least evenly balanced as to participation in VA Healthcare.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding no in-service incurrence or link to service and rejecting the presumption of herbicide exposure.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to December 1, 2010.