COPD Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a lung disability (characterized by the RO as thoracotomy, status post left pneumothorax) for accrued benefits purposes due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that there is no nexus between his COPD with pulmonary fibrosis and his military service. The issue of secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction due to PTSD remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an eye disability, and COPD are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 10, 2013 for aid and attendance special monthly compensation due to the Veteran's service-connected COPD. The decision finds that the Veteran needed regular care/assistance on a daily basis due to his severe COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD was granted a disability rating of 60 percent for the period prior to May 12, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C with fibrosis of the liver and COPD and asthma, finding that there was no causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service. The Board noted multiple in-service risk factors including drug use but also post-service risk factors such as incarceration and continued drug use.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination regarding whether COPD is related to herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's service records confirm his service in Vietnam, which allows for presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board dismissed the appeals for various issues related to service connection and effective dates due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as there is no current diagnosis of COPD in his medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnosis and service. The Board noted conflicting statements from the Veteran regarding his work exposures during service.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and asbestosis, is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a pulmonary specialist opinion regarding presumed asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to her military service. The Veteran contends that her COPD may be linked to exposure to cleaning solvents and/or asbestos during service, as well as in-service upper respiratory infections.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence sufficient to readjudicate the previously denied claims for service connection for COPD, sinusitis, and rhinitis has been received. The claims are now remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain outstanding records of VA and VA-authorized treatment, including scanned/VistA imaging records. The right knee increased evaluation claims are also remanded for an adequate medical examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a VA medical examiner to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bronchial asthma with COPD. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to its inextricability from the service connection claim.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected sinusitis, but the claims for supraventricular arrhythmia and COPD remain pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for further information from the appellant. The claim is being reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory disability, including COPD, was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or due to exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) and toxic fumes therein.