COPD Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's COPD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The appellant is seeking service connection for COPD, but there is no clear evidence of a current disability or a link between service and COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased ratings for various disabilities, is inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain additional evidence. The appeals are therefore being remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and tuberculosis due to insufficient development, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding potential exposure to asbestos and diesel fuel during active duty.

The Veteran's COPD and Sleep Apnea have been rated at 50% since March 14, 2016. The rating is granted as the conditions meet the criteria for a disability rating of 50%.

The Veteran's bilateral gynecomastia was denied as it did not manifest in service or for years thereafter and has not been shown to be related to his military service.,The Veteran's COPD with pulmonary nodules was denied as the evidence does not show that FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO (SB), or maximum oxygen consumption meets the criteria for a 60% rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right foot disorder, left foot disorder, skeletal arthritis, sinus disorder, COPD, headaches, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, bilateral eye disorder, and ED due to lack of cooperation in providing necessary medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disease, finding that the Veteran's COPD and emphysema are less likely related to his military service due to his long history of smoking. The decision is based on the VA opinion which considered all relevant evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and remanded the case to consider service connection for acid reflux. The Veteran's COPD was not related to his in-service period, as there is no evidence of respiratory symptoms during service. His acid reflux may be related to service based on his lay statements.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions and their relationship to service. The claim will be reconsidered with new evidence and a thorough review of the claims file.

The Board denied an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for OSA with COPD, finding that the appellant's condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on specific pulmonary function test results and clinical findings.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection and related benefits due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development and review, including those related to AL amyloidosis, angioedema, respiratory disorders, type II diabetes mellitus, and neurological disorders.

The Veteran's lung condition, including his diagnosed COPD, is remanded for further examination and consideration of service connection. Verification of mustard gas exposure during service is also required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his COPD and his military service, including herbicide exposure. The Board also found that the Veteran's CAD with unstable angina did not cause or aggravate his COPD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for CFS, thyroid disorder, COPD, OSA, headaches, and a GI disorder are denied. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.,Service connection for CFS was not granted as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or relationship to service. Service connection for a thyroid disorder was also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service, including exposure to contaminants in Southwest Asia and inoculations.,COPD, OSA, and headaches were pending remand for additional etiological opinions considering the Veteran's reported exposures to burn pits and other environmental factors during his military service. Service connection for a GI disorder is also pending as there are no current diagnoses or clear evidence of a relationship to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, was denied. The TDIU claim prior to July 19, 2016, was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for breast cancer and COPD due to potential in-service exposure to asbestos. The Appellant asserts that the Veteran's conditions were caused by this exposure.

Service connection for a respiratory disorder is denied. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed respiratory disorder.,TDIU due to service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder from October 29, 2015 to July 31, 2016 is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The issues include a left hip disability, COPD, sleep apnea, right knee disability, and TDIU.