COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of his death is denied. The DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 also failed due to lack of total rating for at least 10 years prior to death.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is related to service and whether COPD and asthma are related to service under direct service connection analysis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to herbicide exposure, but has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for various conditions including respiratory, sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, implantable cardioverter defibrillator due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinus infections and rhinitis, as well as any respiratory condition including asthma, COPD, or shortness of breath due to undiagnosed illness, are not service-connected. The case is being sent back for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current COPD and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, a respiratory condition (including COPD), and contact dermatitis due to lack of evidence establishing a causal relationship between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various hip, knee, and ankle disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service. The Veteran's COPD is also being reviewed as his use of tobacco products may be related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's skin cancer and residuals are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination.,The Veteran's COPD is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination. The examiner was directed to address whether the Veteran’s COPD was causally related to exposure to herbicide agents, smoke, and fires while in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for COPD, basal cell skin carcinoma, sleep apnea, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw his appeals.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD and asthma, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the evidence did not support a connection to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an additional medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's in-service respiratory events and his later-developed COPD and/or NSIP/hypersensitivity pneumonitis with associated pulmonary fibrosis. The issue remains under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and requests for another opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's pulmonary disorders, including pleural plaques and asbestosis. The issues are service connection for a pulmonary disorder and asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for liver disorder, hypertension, DM, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and COPD were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a link to service. The appeals for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for melanoma of the right eyelid and COPD, both claimed as due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a causal link between these conditions and the Veteran's exposure to contaminants.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD, and his active service, specifically exposure to Agent GB while in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukopenia has been denied as it is not a disability for which VA benefits can be awarded.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has decided that a new examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's COPD is related to his service-connected Pulmonary Tuberculosis, or if it was aggravated by it. The decision also states that a pulmonologist should be assigned for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a respiratory disorder, including cystic bronchiectasis and COPD. The earlier effective date for Special Monthly Pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for COPD and residuals of a dislocated left shoulder due to asbestos exposure during service as the Veteran died before a decision could be made.