COPD Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's COPD and its relation to service, specifically exposure to solvents, burn pit smoke, and blowing dust during Southwest Asia service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and its relation to his cause of death. The VA will need to obtain medical records, verify service exposure, and provide a medical opinion on the etiology of COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected conditions or exposure to asbestos. The claim will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. The VA examiner found that these conditions are less likely than not related to his active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and emphysema with COPD. The decision also noted that some issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to his active duty service, specifically his exposure to herbicide agents in Korea.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, as it may be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. Additional evidence is needed to determine if COPD had its onset during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA medical records and need for VA examinations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The remaining claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, respiratory disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and/or the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected PTSD did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or requiring regular assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and COPD are remanded. The maxilla fracture rating is also remanded. The TDIU claim is deferred due to the ongoing maxilla fracture rating issue.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during service or was related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to chemicals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, a pulmonary disorder to include COPD, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's asbestosis with pleural plaques is rated at 0 percent, which is the lowest possible rating under VA regulations.,Service connection for COPD secondary to service-connected asbestosis was denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for lung disability, colon polyps, TBI (head injury), seizures, bilateral athlete’s foot, and kidney disease. The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary condition, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, and bronchitis, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Board will request an opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for respiratory disorders, nasal polyps, and a low back disorder due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea with COPD and irritable bowel syndrome, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete information regarding the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including histoplasmosis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his variously diagnosed respiratory disorders.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and granted an initial 20 percent rating for erectile dysfunction. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of sleep apnea.