COPD Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of exposure to hazardous cleaning materials during service, and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of exposure to hazardous cleaning materials during service, and a need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD and/or pneumonia, finding that there was no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were caused or aggravated by his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the claimed conditions and denied all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's respiratory disabilities are not presumed to be due to herbicide exposure, and there is no evidence of a chronic disability during service or for years thereafter. The VA examiner concluded that the current asthma with possible COPD variant did not have its onset during service.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asthma, COPD, and residuals of pneumonia, finding that the Veteran's current disability is more likely due to his long-time smoking than any in-service illness.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as SSA records. The Veteran's COPD and prostate cancer service-connected conditions are at issue.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but the other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for COPD with mild asthma, hypertension, and gastroenteritis have been denied as there is no evidence to support their onset during service or a link to service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions, as they were not related to the Veteran's active duty or a service-connected disability.,Specifically, the Board found that the Veteran did not have a current respiratory disability other than pleural plaques, which was already service connected. The COPD he claimed was determined to be unrelated to his in-service asbestos exposure and secondary to tobacco use.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected hypertension caused his death by congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected, but his hypertension and respiratory disorder claims are not established. The Board will need to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and determine if a current respiratory disorder exists.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory and heart conditions are not related to his service, and his right knee disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's pulmonary disorders and their relationship to service, particularly asbestos exposure. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence since the April 2015 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative spondylosis. The Veteran's COPD claim was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis, while his lower back injury claim is being remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, heart condition, and COPD due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims are not supported by competent medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing SSA records. The Veteran's COPD is being reviewed for service connection, with consideration given to PTSD and herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The Board has also remanded several issues related to his diabetes mellitus, type II and other disabilities.