COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's COPD was initially rated noncompensable prior to July 21, 2017. Since then, the condition has been rated at 100 percent since that date.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding no causal relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his military service. The claim was dismissed as there was insufficient evidence to establish a nexus.

The Veteran's service-connected histoplasmosis rating was restored to 30 percent effective December 1, 2016. The increased rating claim for COPD and interstitial lung disease is granted.,Service connection for COPD and interstitial lung disease due to in-service exposure to asbestos and second-hand smoke is established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, respiratory disability (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea), hypertension, hemorrhoids, and bilateral intention tremor of hands have been denied.,The Veteran's respiratory disability was granted an initial non-compensable rating from December 15, 2015 onwards.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and asbestosis, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including reopening service connection for allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, determining a rating for low back disability, and examining the etiology of sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory conditions, specifically COPD and sarcoidosis. The claim is being returned for a new VA examination with a pulmonologist.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, COPD, headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and broken jaw residuals due to incomplete service treatment records and missing VA medical records. The Board also requested SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee conditions, and pes planus was dismissed as he withdrew the claim. The appeals for tingling and numbness in the right shoulder and a respiratory disorder were remanded.

The Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for left knee degenerative joint disease and COPD have been dismissed. Service connection has been granted for left foot, right foot, and restless leg syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's post-service respiratory conditions, including bronchiectasis and COPD, are related to his service due to severe pneumonia he experienced in Germany. As a result, service connection for these disabilities is granted.

The Board has decided that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and requires additional evaluations to determine if the Veteran's COPD and cardiomyopathy are secondary to his service-connected right lobectomy, secondary to empyema.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged, but the Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU due to his overall disability picture.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current respiratory disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for various conditions, including right eye retina disability, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, constipation, PTSD, GERD, ED, and prostate failure. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is conceded, and he contends his conditions are related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and respiratory disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims. The Board also noted that the Veteran's current respiratory disability is not related to asbestos exposure or his back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and cirrhosis of the liver due to insufficient evidence. The claims are not currently decided on service connection grounds.

The Board has denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s disease, scleroderma, and a respiratory disorder (COPD) as the evidence does not support a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome and interstitial lung disease with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran reported a back injury during service, but his opinions are not supported by sufficient rationale or supporting documentation.

The Veteran's cause of death was metastatic adenocarcinoma, with COPD and pulmonary veno occlusive listed as other significant conditions. The Board found the evidence did not support a finding that service connection should be granted for his cause of death.