COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, asthma, bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory abnormalities, is being remanded for further development as the VA examination was inadequate. The examiner did not address in-service asbestos exposure by the Veteran or his pre-existing asthma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine disorder, and asbestosis/COPD are service-connected based on direct evidence of a link to his military service.

The Board has remanded this case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion on the relationship between the Veteran's service and his terminal respiratory failure, pulmonary effusion, adenocarcinoma, and COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for lung cancer, COPD, or residuals of pneumonia. The VA examiner found no objective evidence to support these diagnoses and opined that there is no relationship between the diagnosed conditions and service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for a respiratory disability and an increased rating for lung cancer, status post lobectomy.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including COPD and asthma in quiescent, is being remanded for additional development due to new diagnoses and potential service connection.

The Veteran's appendectomy and oomphaticectomy residuals are not service-connected, as the current scars do not meet criteria for a compensable rating. The lung disorder to include bronchial asthma and COPD is not service-connected due to lack of evidence during service or within one year post-service. The back disorder is also not service-connected as arthritis was not manifest in service. The ventral hernia, GERD, and heart condition are not service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and asthma did not have its onset in service or are otherwise related to service for reasons discussed, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a respiratory examination. The issues include determining if his collapsed left lung warrants an initial compensable rating, service connection for chronic respiratory conditions (including bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, COPD), and sleep apnea are warranted, as well as whether he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability and denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected asthma with COPD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his COPD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's death was caused by myocardial infarction, a service-connected disability presumed due to herbicide exposure during his time stationed at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is related to his exposure to herbicides, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.,Regarding COPD, as there was no VA examination or medical opinion provided on this issue, it remains pending. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his COPD is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination in November 2015. The Veteran's service connection claim for a pulmonary disability, including COPD, is currently before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate medical opinion in a previous VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD and chronic bronchitis is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of the record.

The Board finds that the Veteran's COPD, hypertension, venous insufficiency, and other respiratory, skin, ankle, foot, knee, and erectile dysfunction conditions are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or its inland waterways, and thus is not entitled to presumptive service connection for his claimed conditions. The evidence does not establish a link between any current disabilities and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The evidence does not support a finding of direct causation or secondary service connection.