COPD Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional examination is needed to address the nature and severity of nonservice-connected disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and incontinence. The Veteran's need for assistance appears to be based, at least in part, on bowel and bladder incontinence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Appellant's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for COPD. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether COPD was caused or aggravated by diabetes mellitus and considering any additional evidence related to the cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD results in loss of use of both lower extremities due to severe dyspnea, necessitating the use of assistive devices for ambulation and hygiene. As a result, he is eligible for specially adapted housing but not for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD was dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including COPD and emphysema, did not manifest during service or as a result of asbestos exposure. The obstructive sleep apnea was also determined to have no connection with service or asbestos exposure. The acquired psychiatric disorder was deemed unrelated to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected hypothyroidism was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD as a result of asbestos exposure in service. The issues of service connection for CAD and CHF, to include as secondary to the service-connected asbestosis, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, to include COPD, is being remanded due to the need for an in-person examination and additional medical opinions.

The Board found that there is no nexus between the Veteran's respiratory disorders and his service or a service-connected condition, including asbestosis. The weight of medical evidence does not support a finding that any current respiratory disorder is related to an in-service event or service-connected asbestosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, hypertriglyceridemia, asthma, and COPD have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or etiological link to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his service-connected asbestosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A new VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including bronchitis and COPD, was not incurred in or caused by service.,There is no evidence establishing a nexus between the Veteran's current bilateral eye disorders and his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestos-related lung disease and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 17, 2004. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disabilities were not incurred in or related to service, nor are they secondary to his service-connected costochondritis.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for skin cancer, arthritis, emphysema with COPD, congestive heart failure, and an increased rating for bilateral interstitial fibrosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's lung disability was rated at 100% effective from February 5, 2016. The appeal for service connection for PTSD and residuals of left upper leg burn were granted with new and material evidence received.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD related to military sexual trauma, chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to his military service, including his exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.