COPD Board decisions

The Board has denied service connection for left and right shoulder disorders due to the lack of current diagnoses. The respiratory disorder (COPD and Asthma) is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus does not render him unemployable, and his heart disorder is not shown to be related to herbicide exposure or secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, including for his respiratory disability, GERD, lipoma, allergic rhinitis, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, dizziness, and low back condition. The examination is also necessary to address the impact of toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) on these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left arm, back, right eye, and COPD disorders due to a bar on VA compensation benefits based on his Other Than Honorable Conditions discharge from the Coast Guard.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for COPD, to include shortness of breath, has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board has remanded three issues: respiratory disability, initial compensable rating for lung cancer and right lobectomy, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The remand requires additional VA medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, as well as a determination regarding his eligibility for special monthly compensation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for COPD, finding that VA treatment did not cause his condition and that there was no evidence of carelessness or negligence on VA's part.

PTSD and COPD have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure during service. Left knee degenerative arthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease have also been granted.,Right knee issues, including limitation of flexion, extension, lateral instability, and partial removal of semilunar cartilage, are all granted.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The claim of service connection for myasthenia gravis as secondary to herbicide exposure is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various respiratory and skin conditions due to exposure in Southwest Asia, as they are presumed based on the PACT Act. The Veteran's asthma is granted presumptively.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder other than asthma and COPD (to include bronchitis) due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's chronic bronchitis is related to service, including presumed exposure to fine particulate matter.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is aggravated by his service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there is no evidence linking any condition to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's COPD, which is currently diagnosed in addition to asthma.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's COPD is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to burn pits under the PACT Act, and no other theories of entitlement are considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD has been reopened and remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea to include as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability (with intermediary obesity) has been reopened and remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include major depression and PTSD, as secondary to a service-connected right knee condition has been reopened and remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD prior to August 10, 2022 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of his respiratory disorder.,VA treatment records indicate a possible link between burn pit exposure and COPD, but lack sufficient rationale.

The Veteran's depression and anxiety are granted on a secondary basis, while tinnitus is granted. High cholesterol, left leg disability (apart from service-connected left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy), right leg disability (apart from service-connected right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy), coronary artery disease (CAD), erectile dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and thyroid disability are all denied. The Veteran's sleep apnea, headaches, and TDIU claims are remanded.

Service connection for COPD is granted under the PACT Act, and service connection for sleep apnea is remanded. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is also remanded.