COPD Board decisions

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD or bronchitis, as well as his claim for a lumbar spine disorder. The veteran was previously denied these claims in June 2002, but no new evidence has since been provided.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, lumbosacral spine disorder, memory loss, celiac disease, sinus disorder, and neurological disorder (essential tremor of both hands). The appeals were decided on a direct basis without any presumption or secondary relationship to a previously service-connected condition.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death (cardiac arrest, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and COPD) was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a disability incurred in service. The veteran did not have a service-connected total disability permanent in nature at the time of his death.

The Board found that the veteran's current lung disorder, other than a right lung granuloma, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and was not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The issue of entitlement to a compensable initial disability rating for service-connected right lung granuloma is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and COPD, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing Dingess/Hartman VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an allergic reaction to anesthesia, including Novocain and COPD. The claim of entitlement to a compensable disability evaluation for service-connected residuals of a fractured coccyx and sacrum is also addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment and ruled against the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and chronic bronchitis, finding that there is no medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's COPD is not related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos. As a result, the claim for service connection for COPD was denied. The veteran also sought TDIU based on his COPD and other unlisted disabilities; however, as he had no service-connected disabilities, this claim was also denied.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board denied service connection for COPD as the veteran did not incur COPD in service and it is not related to his presumed exposure to herbicides.,Service connection was also denied for Chronic Demyelating Polyneuropathy due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the causes of his death (pneumonia, COPD, and diabetes mellitus) were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorders, including recurrent bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and pulmonary fibrosis, were not incurred or aggravated in service. The evidence does not establish a link between his current respiratory conditions and his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his service-connected inactive tuberculosis with COPD, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current lung disorder is due to or aggravated by asbestos exposure in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for COPD and valvular heart disease can be decided.

The VA determined that the veteran's COPD is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his current condition to service or herbicide exposure.