COPD Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have asbestosis and his COPD is more likely related to his prolonged cigarette smoking, rather than service. Therefore, service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis and COPD, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected COPD contributed substantially to his death from septicemia due to diverticulitis. The decision grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service connected as it was first manifested within a year of active duty service and there is no evidence indicating it is due to an undiagnosed illness or exposure in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's CAD and COPD are not found to be related to his hypertension.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including his COPD and PTSD. The VA examiner found no direct correlation between the Veteran's asbestos exposure and his COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for COPD.

The Veteran's COPD has not been manifested by FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 56 to 65 percent predicted. Therefore, the criteria for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for proper adjudication of the claims, including verifying exposure to herbicides and cleaning chemicals during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed respiratory disability and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding that his condition was caused by or aggravated by service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to the VA medical opinion stating that his hearing loss and tinnitus did not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for lung disorders/emphysema will be reconsidered.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for pulmonary fibrosis and the residuals of a low back injury. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD and asthma, did not develop as a result of his military service or any in-service exposure to chemicals, herbicides, or other elements. The fatty tumors of the lungs and other organs were also not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current COPD with asbestosis and heart disability and his military service. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's right and left foot onychomycosis is service-connected.,COPD was not service-connected, as it did not begin during or due to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and PTSD, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service asbestos exposure or verified stressors. The Veteran was not exposed to asbestos during his naval service, and his reported stressors are not supported by the available records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for any of these disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed pulmonary disorders and sleep apnea are not related to her active service, including any potential asbestos exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed COPD, colon disability, and syncope are not related to his active service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.