COPD Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that COPD was not related to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD with fibrosing interstitial pneumonitis is at least as likely as not caused by his exposure to asbestos during service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease with congestive heart failure, pneumonia of the right lung, diabetes mellitus, and COPD. The Board found that his service-connected psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria did not contribute to his cause of death, and that his other conditions were not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to consider the Veteran's death due to pneumonia, as there are conflicting medical opinions and new evidence needs to be considered.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking his lung disorders (chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD) to his active duty service or a service-connected disability. The Board found that the Veteran did not have continuous exposure to Agent Orange during service, and there is no evidence showing that his lung disorders manifested in service. Additionally, the medical opinions provided by VA examiners were more convincing than the appellant's statements regarding the effect of chemotherapy on his lungs.

The Board has denied service connection for anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, COPD, and ischemic heart disease as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for COPD.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, specifically whether it is related to his active duty service and exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, and anemia due to new evidence received since the final September 2010 rating decision. The issues have not been resolved yet.

The Board has found the VA examiners' opinions inadequate and remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the December 2018 VA examiner regarding bilateral hearing loss and a new respiratory disability examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left knee disability, Parkinson's disease, and PTSD due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, COPD, and PTSD were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were found to be related to the General Rating Formula criteria.

The Veteran's cause of death was respiratory failure. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's COPD, which he had since 2007, was not related to his service-connected asbestos exposure and more likely due to tobacco smoking.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria under VA regulations, and there is no evidence of an inhalation injury that would qualify him for this benefit.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of asthma and COPD due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disorder and left ankle/foot disorder have been reopened, but the claim for respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure has not.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current right shoulder disorder and left ankle/foot disorder. The VA will conduct further development including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's COPD and asthma are related to his service, specifically exposure to burn pits in Iraq. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion considering the Veteran's lay statements about the onset of his symptoms during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability claims, specifically her COPD and asbestosis.