COPD Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, service connection for COPD, and reopening of claim for right ear hearing loss. The decision also granted service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and COPD due to asbestos exposure. The claim for tinnitus was granted, with the decision finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and all issues on appeal have been dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to his active service exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be COPD. The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion regarding whether his COPD is related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals during service. Additionally, the Board requested an opinion on whether the use of tobacco products as a result of PTSD contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection. Service connection for a respiratory disorder, claimed as COPD and emphysema, is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and depression due to the need for further evidentiary development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The right wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss (left ear only), tinnitus, cervical spine disorder, COPD, IBS, OSA, left hip disorder, headaches, and seizures were not shown in service or are not causally related to service.

Service connection for COPD and sleep apnea secondary to COPD is granted.,Service connection for a skin disorder (claimed as chronic mycotic fungal infection) is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification of a June 2016 VA examination report regarding the Veteran's lung disability and pneumothoraxes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development of evidence.,Service connection for a low back condition, any separate and additional respiratory illness (including as due to an undiagnosed illness related to service in Southwest Asia), COPD, and PTSD are all pending.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection of a lung disorder, including COPD is granted. Service connection for a lung disorder, including COPD is also granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for lung cancer is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the appropriate ratings and service connection for sarcoidosis, COPD, and eye disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD with bilateral pleural thick thinning is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities due to herbicide agent exposure. The claims are being reviewed on a facts found basis as the Veteran was exposed near the perimeter of Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during his active duty.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death because the evidence did not indicate that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death. The Board also found that alleged on-service exposure to toxins or chemicals did not contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not provided to support the reopening of these claims. The Board also found that there is no nexus between the claimed conditions and active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, hepatitis C, bladder condition (claimed as liver condition), COPD (claimed as lung condition), and service connection for ischemic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding potential asbestos exposure during service and a need for further examination of the Veteran's COPD.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records. The COPD claim has been withdrawn.