COPD Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, right and left knee disabilities, respiratory disability, DM, skin disability, and dental disability. The appeals are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the Veteran's COPD rating from 30% to 10%, effective November 1, 2016, and further to noncompensable, effective July 1, 2018, was proper. The Veteran's COPD is rated as 30% disabling based on FEV-1/FVC ratio.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report and a need for updated treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a new VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any respiratory disorder found to be present.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness regarding her COPD. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran’s COPD is more likely due to civilian occupational exposure and smoking rather than her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's COPD is related to his in-service asbestos exposure, and because the TDIU issue may be significantly impacted by the outcome of the service connection claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased schedular rating exceeding 60 percent for service-connected bronchial asthma is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected bronchial asthma, effective November 4, 2014, is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service or asbestos exposure. The VA examiners provided conclusive opinions against a link between COPD and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, finding no evidence linking the condition to his military service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for emphysema, gout, macular edema with central vein occlusion (claimed as visual loss), COPD, and arteriosclerosis obliterans (claimed as peripheral artery disease) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for COPD due to new and material evidence, but remanded for further development as an addendum opinion is needed.

The Veteran's representative argues that his current COPD is likely related to service due to smoking cessation and other evidence. The Board finds the April 2018 VA examiner's opinion insufficient and requests an addendum from a pulmonologist.

The Veteran withdrew the issue of entitlement to reimbursement or payment for medical expenses related to non-VA medical care at VH, on May 14, 2013, before a decision was made. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in January 2010, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim. The effective date of service connection for tinnitus is granted as August 1, 2013, but no earlier. Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, COPD, and PAD are all granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD and hypertension has been granted, with a 30% disability rating for asbestosis. The effective date is January 17, 2013.

The Board has determined that the VA examiners' opinions are inadequate and have not addressed the Veteran's claims regarding COPD, bladder cancer, and essential tremors due to exposure to diesel fumes and herbicides. The cases are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether his service-connected respiratory condition and/or medication has aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis and COPD, finding that new evidence did not establish a causal relationship between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of service connection for allergic rhinitis and respiratory disabilities (including sinusitis, COPD). The decision on the hearing loss claim is in favor of the Veteran. For the respiratory issues, the case is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions to determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service connected. The lung disorder and atrial fibrillation claims are remanded for further development.