COPD Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and that there is no evidence of a chronic disease during service. The Board also found that COPD is not listed as a condition associated with exposure to Agent Orange under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for clarification of medical evidence, consideration of potentially favorable evidence, and development of a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can perform most activities of daily living without significant assistance.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and asthma, is found to be related to his active duty service. The acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is also found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD), was not incurred in service or caused by any service-connected disability. The Board also noted that his lung conditions, including COPD, were not related to his asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has denied reopening of the claims for service connection for asbestosis and lung disease other than asbestosis (COPD). The Veteran's claim for asbestosis was reopened, but his claim for COPD remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not attributable to service. The VA examinations and medical opinions provided no evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is more likely due to the Veteran's history of cigarette smoking. The claim for secondary service connection based on diabetes mellitus, CAD, and PTSD was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD and pulmonary nodules, is not related to his service or any incident thereof.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and COPD, have manifested to a compensable degree prior to December 31, 2021. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, groin disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), and respiratory disability (COPD). The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorder, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, residuals of stroke, atrial fibrillation, COPD, OSA, and a left shoulder disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have ischemic heart disease at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hearing loss, PTSD, or a pulmonary disorder. The evidence is insufficient to establish these conditions as being related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, a lung disorder. The remaining issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Board found no evidence of bladder cancer, cancer of the right ear, or COPD, emphysema, and asthma being incurred in service. The Appellant's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD, is being evaluated again to determine its onset during service or its relation to service exposure.

The Veteran reported that he was not appealing his service connection claim for COPD, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to his service, specifically due to his long history of smoking.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's causes of death are related to his active service, including exposure to oil well fires. The appeal is currently in a pending status.