COPD Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disability did not have an onset during active service and is not the result of an event, injury or disease incurred during active service.

The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded for further development to determine if it was caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD. The issue of scar tissue of the lungs is also being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's current COPD is not related to service, as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of its onset during service or due to asbestos exposure. The pre-existing asthma did not aggravate beyond its natural progression in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for breathing problems and a psychiatric disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claim of service connection for breathing problems.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is REMANDED due to a lack of recent VA examination and treatment records, as well as potential need for additional rating assignments.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and clarifying a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's asbestosis and COPD.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for COPD and headaches, as well as de novo adjudication of the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) and a left knee disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his service-connected right knee chondromalacia.

The Veteran's preexisting respiratory disability, currently diagnosed as asthma and COPD, was aggravated by his period of active duty. Service connection for the respiratory disability is granted.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory disabilities and his active military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided the case should be remanded for additional development of records and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and hepatitis are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The claim for service connection for COPD was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence submitted. However, the claim for COPD remains denied as there is no current disability found. The claim for bilateral hearing loss also remains denied.

The Veteran is found to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, and therefore qualifies for special monthly compensation based on that need.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist condition, diagnosed as CTS, is not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a current back disability related to the Veteran's active service.,The Veteran's COPD is not service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, as there was no evidence of any service-connected disability at the time of his death. The cause of death listed on his death certificate was COPD, which developed many years after service and was not related to any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed COPD is as likely as not related to his active military service, while there is no current evidence of asbestosis. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied.

The Veteran's lung disability, rated at 60 percent disabling, did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his functional impairment. The Board found the evidence insufficient to establish that he met the criteria for SMP based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left foot, and left ankle disorders are not related to his military service. The COPD claim is also denied as there is no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current COPD and Asthma are related to her in-service sinus problems, which were aggravated by service. As such, these conditions are granted as service connected.