COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not result in total occupational and social impairment, but he experienced significant functional limitations. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.,For the left knee strain, there is no evidence of compensable limitation beyond the minimum required by Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion).,Similarly, for right knee strain, there is no evidence of compensable limitation beyond the minimum required by Diagnostic Code 5261 (limitation of extension).,The Veteran's hypothyroidism does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7903.,There is insufficient evidence to support service connection for COPD or Sleep Apnea.,Service connection for Chloracne was denied due to lack of nexus between current condition and in-service exposure.,No new evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for skin disability.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to any in-service exposure, including asbestos or carbon tetrachloride. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for COPD.

The Board has granted service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including asbestosis, COPD, and emphysema, finding that the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during his military service is related to his current conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any related conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis. The initial rating for maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis is also granted at a 30 percent level.

The Board has granted accrued benefits in the amount of $958.00 for expenses related to the widow's last sickness and burial, as determined by the Appellant and his wife.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions, including back condition, COPD, artery bypass, prostate cancer, and leukemia. The appeal for TDIU was also dismissed. Service connection for lymphoma due to exposure at Camp Lejeune is granted, as is service connection for the cause of death.

The reduction in rating for service-connected residuals of lung cancer from 60 percent to zero percent, effective from February 1, 2016, was improper. The Veteran's disability has been characterized by FEV-1 scores of 40 to 55 percent predicted or FEV-1/FVC scores of 40 to 55 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including emphysema and COPD, finding that his conditions are not related to service or exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and TDIU, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disorder, and hypertension have been denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board found that his lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and respiratory failure were not related to any in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for COPD and renal cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents, asbestos, or other in-service events. The Veteran's service on USS Hancock is also under review.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD due to inadequate rationale in the previous VA opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD was dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disability, and hypertension as not related to military service or exposure to herbicide agents at Camp Lejeune.,The cause of death claim was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's fatal conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any service-connected disability to his death. The Board also found that asbestos exposure did not contribute substantially or materially to the cause of death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including asbestosis, COPD, and asthma. The case is remanded to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his current respiratory conditions.

The Board has vacated its decision denying service connection for respiratory, bladder, and stomach disabilities. The claim of service connection for a stomach disability to include GERD is granted and remanded for further examination and consideration.