COPD Board decisions

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as he withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain and a heart condition, as well as pes planus, were granted. Service connection was also denied for hyperlipidemia.

The Veteran's death was due to myocardial infarction, COPD, emphysema and lung carcinoma. The cause of these conditions is unclear as the Veteran had no pending claims at the time of his death. His exposure to asbestos during service is not established. The claim for VA death pension benefits is also remanded due to insufficient information about the number of dependents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to further development being necessary, including obtaining STRs and private medical records. The appeals are now pending again.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred during a private hospitalization for COPD and pneumonia are now covered by VA, except for any copayment or deductible owed to his health insurance plan (Medicare).

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory diseases, including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and reactive lung disease.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, eye disability, skin disability (pseudofolliculitis barbae), sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, heart disability, COPD, lung disability other than COPD, diabetes mellitus, type II, hernia, low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus is granted. The claims for initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, cataracts, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus remains denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for rhinitis and cataracts remain denied.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to COPD and respiratory failure, finding that it was not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, including arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.,Pulmonary fibrosis is not shown to be related to service or in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches. The claim for a more than 10 percent rating for tinnitus is denied, and the claims for respiratory disability and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to insufficient evidence. TDIU remains pending.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that his type II diabetes mellitus contributed to his death from COPD and congestive heart failure. The Board considered all evidence including medical records and opinions.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 1, 2011 for the award of DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The appeal is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance during the period from January 1, 2011 through May 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death. The VA will need to further develop information about the Veteran's work history and exposure to asbestos before and after service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the cause of the veteran's COPD, including his in-service exposure to jet fuel and caustic acid. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from a clinician.

Service connection for a low back injury and arthritis is denied.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ is denied.,Service connection for a sinus condition and COPD (claimed as asthma) due to herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and a pulmonary condition (claimed as mesothelioma, asbestosis, bronchiectasis, and COPD) have been reopened. The claim for service connection for DM has been remanded.,Service connection for the claimed pulmonary condition is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to in-service exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, including COPD, finding that there was no evidence of any respiratory disability during service or within one year after separation. The Board also found that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to his active duty service, including any claimed exposure to asbestos.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was caused by an inhalation injury in service.