COPD decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, hypertension, and CAD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's COPD disability is related to active duty service, but needs further clarification and additional evidence. The case is being remanded for a VA addendum opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD should be remanded due to errors in pre-decisional duty to assist and a need for new etiology opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for COPD is denied as his service-connected condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, requiring additional medical opinions and development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory condition due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate evaluation of COPD with emphysema, requiring an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's bladder cancer and COPD are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a direct link to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran's smoking history was more likely the cause of these conditions.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for COPD and service connection for sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a more detailed opinion regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea.

Service connection for lung cancer is granted based on a diagnosis and presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection for COPD is granted as related to in-service toxic exposure risk activities.

The appeal for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is dismissed. Service connection for Hypertension (HTN), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and a Cardiovascular Disorder are denied. Service connection for Bullous Emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is granted based on the PACT Act.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute hypoxic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with hypertension as a significant contributing factor. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain the Veteran's complete military records and treatment records.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the Appellant's representative withdrew the appeal in writing.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% evaluation for COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis as of July 27, 2023, due to improper reduction from September 1, 2025.

The Veteran's COPD rating is being remanded due to incomplete examinations and the need for updated evaluations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in duty-to-assist and the need for updated exposure information. The Veteran's COPD is related to his service, but the exact nature of the connection needs further clarification.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with restrictive airway disease before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cause of death and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) under 38 U.S.C. 1318, finding that his death was not caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection and rating for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.