COPD Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including bilateral ankle, foot, back, respiratory (COPD), cardiovascular disorders, and PTSD as there was no evidence of a nexus to active duty service.

The Veteran's COPD was granted a 100% disability rating prior to August 16, 2012. The issue of TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran being in receipt of the maximum benefit for his service-connected COPD.

The Veteran's death was not related to a disease or injury incurred in service, and his sole service-connected disability (PTSD) did not contribute to his death. Therefore, the appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD has been granted, with the effective date set at June 23, 2017.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is also granted, but an earlier effective date prior to June 23, 2017, was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis, COPD, and bilateral lower extremities peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure. The claims are being remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for a respiratory disability, to include COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records from a VA clinic. The Veteran's COPD is being reviewed again based on these new records.

The Veteran's PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and COPD are granted service connection. The skin cancer claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between any lung disabilities and service, including asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left hand polyarthritis, right hand polyarthritis, left foot rheumatoid arthritis (due to Agent Orange exposure), and right foot rheumatoid arthritis (due to Agent Orange exposure) have been denied. The Board found that the disorders are not related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for COPD.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from January 27, 2015 for PTSD. The Board has also remanded several other issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his in-service exposure to lithium hydroxide or asbestos. The Board also found that the Veteran's history of smoking was more likely the cause of his COPD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for COPD, specifically his alleged exposure to herbicides during covert operations in Thailand. The VA is instructed to prepare a Special Operations Forces Incident document and obtain an opinion from a clinician on the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s COPD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, which is related to PTSD or hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD and pulmonary fibrosis due to exposure to asbestos, chlorine gas, and other toxic chemicals used during service. The cause of death claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the COPD/Pulmonary Fibrosis claim.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable prior to August 9, 2017 and a 10% rating is granted from that date. The Board finds the evidence insufficient for service connection of asthma and COPD due to in-service exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and in-service exposures or service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and entitlement to TDIU as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current COPD and his military service, and he does not have any other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeal due to scheduling issues and lack of examination. The appeals for compensation, increased rating for COPD, and right knee disability are all on hold until further action is taken.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.