COPD Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, claimed as secondary to a left knee disability; a cervical spine disability; and an asthma/COPD disability. The Board found that there was no evidence showing cause or aggravation in service but rather that the evidence showed post-service injuries.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there was no current disability.

The Veteran is granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected major depressive disorder and headaches. He is also granted special monthly compensation for need of aid and attendance of another person, but not housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hyperlipidemia is granted. The claim for earlier effective date for ischemic heart disease is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and tinnitus do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating, as their combined rating is only 40%. The case was referred to the VA Compensation Service Director for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU rating, but this was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's COPD and his in-service tuberculosis exposure. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his COPD is related to his tuberculosis.

The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for lung disease, to include asthma and COPD, is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and hypertension as secondary to PTSD. The claims for residuals of a back injury, kidney condition, nerve condition, and hearing loss are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and an ulcer condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected GERD, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link between the conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to COPD and due to in-service rhinoplasty surgery. The Veteran's condition was not evaluated by VA, and a new examination is needed.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable colon syndrome, essential tremors (claimed as tremors and whole-body shakes), a disability manifested by insomnia, headaches, weakness of the peripheral nerves, COPD, and GERD. Service connection was denied for all these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, cervical dysplasia, hepatitis C, and depressive disorder.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD and diabetes mellitus, type II on secondary basis due to the Veteran's tobacco use during service. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision. As a result, the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease, to include as secondary to COPD, are denied. The Board found that the current disabilities were not incurred in or caused by his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD, including scarring of the lungs and resolved bronchitis and pneumonia, is granted with a 60% disability rating from June 16, 2009 to November 29, 2016. The effective date for this grant remains at June 16, 2009.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current emphysema and COPD and his service, specifically exposure to phosgene. The VA examiner will need to provide a comprehensive opinion addressing all relevant evidence.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran died before a decision could be made.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and his COPD, which may be related to service. The VA must obtain medical opinions on these issues.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be related to his service as a welder, and the Board grants service connection for COPD.