COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder, sinusitis, respiratory disorders other than sinusitis (including COPD and bronchitis), and peripheral neuropathy will be further evaluated.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's COPD is related to asbestos exposure during service. The appellant must provide an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for COPD and a mouth condition due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding causation and aggravation of vertigo by service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and for an examination to determine if COPD is related to asbestos exposure or other in-service duties.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link to active service or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, including COPD, mesothelioma and asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus with fallen arches and a respiratory disorder, to include COPD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that it is not related to his in-service asbestos exposure or his service-connected lung disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is related to in-service asbestos exposure and other chemical and dust exposure, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to COPD, finding that it was less likely as not caused by or related to his PTSD. The primary cause of death was attributed to years of smoking and tobacco use.

The Veteran's lower back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, is related to his military service and granted service connection.,Service connection for COPD was established based on credible evidence of in-service exposure to contaminated air from burn pits.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to incomplete records. The Veteran's scar residual of a cyst is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not warrant an increased rating as there are no symptoms or characteristics of disfigurement that would support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's death, and is requesting additional information and medical opinions regarding his service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected COPD is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the Board has not established any effective dates due to lack of prior formal or informal claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is not service-connected due to a finding of willful misconduct.,The Veteran’s back disability and COPD are remanded for further development.

The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied, and the cause of death claim is remanded due to incomplete records and need for an opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD with emphysema is related to his service due to asbestos exposure, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for asbestosis, but no higher, effective February 25, 2013. The Veteran's respiratory disability is manifested by a DLCO (SB) of 77 percent predicted value.