COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD from January 13, 2021 to January 31, 2021 did not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. From January 31, 2021 onwards, the overall combined disability rating was 100%, but his service-connected orthopedic conditions could not be considered a single disability for TDIU purposes.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and potential new evidence that may affect the outcome of the claim.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, major depressive disorder with anxious distress, diabetes mellitus, type II, COPD, asthma, and atrial fibrillation due to a procedural defect.

The Veteran's emphysema, COPD, and asthma have been found to be at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board remands the claim for an initial compensable evaluation of service-connected COPD to ensure a proper medical examination is conducted.

The Board denied service connection for somatic symptom disorder, respiratory disorders (including COPD), nephrolithiasis, deviated nasal septum, and higher initial disability ratings for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress and GERD, hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a blood disorder (chronic anemia), and a respiratory disability (COPD). It also granted entitlement to TDIU prior to June 2, 2023, and SMC based on housebound status from November 2, 2024.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's respiratory condition and his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including GERD, chronic kidney disease, COPD, a heart condition, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea, as additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's exposure to toxic chemical agents during his service.

The Board granted readjudication of previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, while remanding other issues including entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder, hypertension, tinnitus, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, and an initial rating for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.

The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and remanded the claim for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board remands the claim for a respiratory disability to obtain an adequate VA examination and additional evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, hiatal hernia, COPD, and prostate cancer as a result of toxic exposure during the Veteran's military service.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed, and the claims for a compensable rating for the lower back scar, service connection for COPD, and peripheral artery disease were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, COPD, a gastrointestinal disability, and migraines due to lack of evidence supporting a link between these conditions and her military service.

The Board denied service connection for an inguinal hernia and remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, a skin condition, suspicious nevus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to ensure proper issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case to the Appellant.