COPD Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and emphysema, finding that the Veteran's current respiratory disability is as likely as not related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's pleural disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, specifically related to in-service asbestos exposure. The Veteran was exposed to asbestos during his service as an electrician and sanitary facility inspector.

The Board denied service connection for COPD with pulmonary nodules, sinusitis, a back disorder, and a right ankle disorder. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current medical evidence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions and new claims, due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain, lower back strain, bilateral knee strain, and sleep apnea. The claims for bilateral leg lymphedema and COPD are remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA pulmonary examination to determine if any identified pulmonary disabilities had their onset during active service or are related to any incident of service, including documented inservice respiratory complaints and X-ray findings.

The Veteran's cause of death is related to his in-service exposure to asbestos and environmental exposures in Southwest Asia, but the Board has not found service connection for these conditions due to lack of evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated during service and is unrelated to service.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD disability rendered him incapable of securing and following a substantially gainful employment from August 1, 1988.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, including COPD and middle lobe nodules and bronchitis (claimed as asbestosis), due to lack of evidence supporting asbestos exposure or asbestosis. The Board found that the Veteran's current condition is more likely caused by his smoking cigarettes and 30 years of working in a steel mill.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination addressing all theories of service connection for COPD, including non-asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD and bladder cancer, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The cause of death claim is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a pulmonary disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between his current COPD and emphysema and his period of service.

The Board denied service connection for lung abscesses as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and insufficient evidence to link it to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as secondary to inactive pulmonary tuberculosis, finding that there was no evidence linking the current disability to his service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically his exposure to asbestos, lead paint, and gun powder. The VA needs to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and asthma, finding that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions and that they are not related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asbestosis and COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service occurrence or aggravation. The Board concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria to establish service connection due to lack of medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of PTSD, COPD, and hypertension are dismissed. The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for male reproductive disorder (erectile dysfunction and low testosterone) due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and COPD, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. Service connection was granted based on direct evidence of a relationship between the current disabilities and in-service exposure or injury.