COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were dismissed as the issues have already been reviewed and denied in a previous rating decision. The denial of service connection was upheld for all conditions except elevated cholesterol, which was denied.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for COPD due to burn pit exposure, and TDIU is granted.

The Board has found that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's sarcoidosis, COPD, and lung nodules disabilities.

The Veteran's rhinitis is granted as service-connected due to in-service toxic exposure.,Service connection for anxiety, insomnia, and COPD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of various conditions has been dismissed due to their passing.

The Veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by service or a service-connected disability. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and no other link between the Veteran's death and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and TERA participation, as well as conflicting medical opinions on service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma, eczematoid dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to incomplete examination reports and the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the VA examination results do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's COPD is currently rated at zero percent, with PFTs showing an FEV-1 of 91% predicted and FEV-1/FVC of 96%, which does not warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6604.,For lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, the Veteran's current rating is at 20 percent based on forward flexion of 50 degrees and combined range of motion of 125 degrees. The VA examination did not show ankylosis or muscle spasm/severe guarding resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour.,The Veteran's right groin scar has been rated as zero percent, with no evidence of instability or pain.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for cause of death and remands the case for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD should be remanded due to outstanding private treatment records not being in the claims file.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a lung disability, and a stomach disability. The low back disability claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss due to potential toxic exposure during service, including from Camp LeJeune. New medical opinions are needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress, is granted based on a consistent in-service stressor related to his service in Vietnam. The VA examiner confirmed the diagnosis of PTSD and linked it to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activities.,COPD is granted as directly related to the Veteran's conceded herbicide exposure during service. A private medical opinion supports this finding, stating that COPD is at least as likely as not caused by his tobacco use.

The Veteran's CAD and COPD have been granted initial ratings, with CAD receiving a 60 percent rating from November 10, 2011 to October 17, 2021. The TDIU is granted but considered moot after October 18, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral plantar fasciitis have been granted. The claim for left ankle condition is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as there was no evidence showing the condition was incurred in or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's representative argued for presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure but provided insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic sinusitis, asthma with COPD, IBS, spastic colitis with diverticulitis and bowel functional impairment with chronic constipation, and status post umbilical hernia repair was granted effective from April 4, 2012, for chronic sinusitis and May 29, 2012, for the other conditions. The AOJ also remanded several issues related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's asthma and COPD, which are related to service exposure in a gas chamber during Basic Training at Fort Bliss.

The Veteran's lung cancer, COPD, and atrial fibrillation were not incurred during or caused by his period of active service. The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.