COPD Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of asthma and COPD was noted in VA records.,Service connection for the left knee disability was also denied. The Veteran reported symptoms but no specific diagnosis or treatment was provided during service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for asthma with COPD is denied as there is no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to June 16, 2021.

The Board has denied the restoration of a 30 percent rating for COPD, finding that there was material improvement in the Veteran's condition and that reduction from 30 to 0 percent was proper.

The Board has found that there are outstanding VA treatment records and pre-decisional duty to assist errors regarding the Veteran's tinnitus claim. The claims for service connection for COPD, OSA, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a low back condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has readjudicated the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD based on new evidence, but finds that the condition is not related to his military service. The Veteran's smoking history outweighs any potential exposure to toxic substances during service.

The Veteran's death was caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is linked to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 1, 2015 for DIC benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and COPD due to incomplete VA records, lack of radiologic evidence of asbestos-related changes in the lungs, and applicability of TERA provisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to a lack of an adequate opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions and service. The VA examiner did not address the Veteran's lay statements about symptoms since active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating claims have been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for a gall bladder disability, pancreatic cancer, heart disability (also claimed as aneurysm), and lung disability (diagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were not pursued further.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart condition, including ventricular arrhythmia, as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The claims for COPD and knee conditions are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and none of his service-connected conditions were significant contributors to his death. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU as he could perform sedentary work despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, exacerbation of COPD, and multifocal pneumonia. The VA examiner concluded that the service-connected disabilities did not materially or substantially contribute to his death. However, the Board finds a need for additional development due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, and skin cancer are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as sepsis, intestinal obstruction, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his ACDUTRA service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, a collapsed lung disorder, and sinusitis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and COPD have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events. The claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD. The claim will be returned for further evaluation.

The Veteran's diagnosed COPD is at least as likely as not etiologically linked to his exposure to toxic substances during active military service, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and COPD, both related to exposure to herbicide agents in service, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.