COPD Board decisions

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current respiratory disability related to service, including exposure to asbestos. The VA examinations did not support a finding of asbestosis or any other chronic lung disease due to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and asbestosis, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his military service and these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with prominent pain syndrome is considered to have caused him to use cocaine, which led to his death. The Board has determined that the Veteran's cocaine use was secondary to his service-connected depression.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic lung disease, including bronchitis, COPD, and asbestosis. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and seeking an examination.

The Veteran's conditions do not render him helpless or so nearly helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, nor are they substantially confining him to his house. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support the claim for special monthly compensation based upon the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not meet the legal requirements for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for a right lung disorder manifested by lesions/granulomas, and denied for the other conditions listed. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for lung disability, including COPD and asthma. The issues also include secondary service connection for hypertension and heart disability. The case must be remanded to obtain a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence for the COPD claim.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that his service-connected psychiatric disability did not play a role in his fatal cardiac and lung disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD/lung condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private medical records, SSA records, and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his chronic hypertension, colon disorder, and pulmonary disorder.

The Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's current lung conditions to his in-service asbestos exposure, and thus service connection for a lung condition cannot be established.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's COPD is related to his service, specifically to asbestos exposure during his active duty in the Merchant Marine. The RO will now determine if there are any additional available records regarding the Veteran's asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestosis, asthma, COPD, and a left wrist ganglionectomy, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that a chronic respiratory disability other than COPD/emphysema, to include chronic asthma or asbestosis, did not have its onset during active military service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's COPD with asthma is found to have begun in service and continues today, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory/pulmonary disorder, including as a result of exposure to asbestos. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.