COPD Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including BOOP and COPD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically obtaining an adequate VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined rating was found insufficient to meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have asbestosis and his emphysema is not related to service. The claim for service connection for emphysema and COPD is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, was incurred in active service. However, it denied service connection for COPD (claimed as residuals of bronchopneumonia, left lower lobe) due to lack of competent medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by or substantially contributed to by a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service, specifically his reported in-service frostbite while on active duty in Korea. The Appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and as due to asbestos exposure during active duty, is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his in-service fatigue and/or his service-connected COPD, and whether this condition was permanently worsened by his service-connected COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing, and is awaiting clarification on whether he wants a videoconference or in-person hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed low back condition and asbestos exposure-related respiratory/lung conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease was granted with a 40% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for asbestosis is being remanded due to unclear information regarding the presence of COPD and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea and respiratory disorder have been denied as they are not related to his military service or any other relevant factors. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss has also been denied, but a remand is required for further evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are not related to his active service, including exposure to asbestos. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current breathing disorders are not etiologically related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding his claimed low back disability and respiratory disorders, including whether they are related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding that the Veteran's residuals of a jaw fracture did not meet criteria for a compensable rating and his other conditions were not related to his military service.