COPD Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for COPD and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence to support a grant of service connection on any basis.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board previously denied service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, including COPD. The case is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the March 2017 VA opinion and the need to address lay evidence and private medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for COPD, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered after obtaining additional information from VA and private treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD (claimed as a respiratory condition) due to asbestos exposure, finding that there is no evidence linking his current COPD to his in-service exposure.

The Veteran's death was caused by COPD, congestive heart failure, sepsis with shock, pneumonia, chronic renal failure, and adrenal insufficiency. The VA does not find a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that his COPD is more likely due to tobacco use than exposure to environmental hazards in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD, due to asbestos exposure during service. The VA examiner found that COPD was more likely caused by tobacco abuse and previous injuries, not related to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's COPD is rated at 60 percent since October 17, 2011. He also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and CAD, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or asbestos exposure. Service connection was granted for a peripheral vestibular disorder associated with his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has denied service connection for asthma and COPD, but has remanded the issues of left knee disability and right knee disability due to failure to provide proper notice.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to new and material evidence having been presented.,An initial rating in excess of 100 percent for COPD is denied. An effective date earlier than May 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for COPD is also denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for depression with agoraphobia and panic disorder symptoms associated with COPD is being remanded. The earliest possible effective date is May 21, 2010.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 10, 2012 for the grant of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate remains remanded.

The Veteran's COPD is related to his service, specifically the exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board has requested an additional medical opinion to address this issue.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and emphysema, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and exposure to asbestos in service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD, frostbite injury to bilateral ears, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder, difficulty sleeping, and bilateral hearing loss due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and a respiratory disorder, but has denied service connection for pulmonary vascular disease. The remaining issues of service connection for bronchiectasis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asbestosis, and for COPD secondary to asbestosis due to in-service asbestos exposure. The VA is required to obtain all relevant treatment records from various healthcare facilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death, entitlement to nonservice-connected death pension benefits, and accrued benefits. The causes listed on the Veteran’s death certificate were not related to his active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and non-small cell lung cancer, was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to his military service. The cause of death from lung cancer was also denied.