COPD Board decisions

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, and thus the claim is denied.

The Board denied an increased rating for tuberculosis and the residual conditions of pulmonary surgery, finding that the veteran's current service-connected inactive tuberculosis does not warrant a higher rating due to his development of COPD with chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially or materially contribute to cause his death, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death. The DIC and DEA claims were also denied as there was no evidence showing the veteran's service-connected conditions caused or contributed to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, ulcers, and varicose veins of both legs due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, including as secondary to mustard gas exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to outstanding VA medical records and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting a new examination to address osteoarthritis.

The Board found that there is no evidence of COPD in service or for many years thereafter, and no competent evidence linking the veteran's current COPD to his period of active service. Therefore, service connection was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD and service connection for COPD, finding that December 19, 2002 is the earliest date assignable for service connection of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, to include as secondary to exposure to asbestos, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his military service or to any incident therein, including alleged exposure to asbestos.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including COPD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, tinnitus, and dermatitis of both hands, were not incurred or aggravated by military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have COPD related to his military service or caused by his service-connected asbestosis, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for COPD, concluding that his current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cause of death was not related to his military service, specifically due to necrotizing pneumonia caused by COPD. The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's death to Agent Orange exposure or any other condition presumed to be linked to such exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and granuloma of the left lung, as well as a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of fractured nose with deviated septum and mild recurring pharyngitis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran's disabilities do not render him so helpless as to be unable to care for himself and perform tasks incident to daily living, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person or qualify as housebound. Therefore, his claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear opinions regarding the veteran's respiratory disorder and its relation to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have lung cancer or basal cell carcinoma, and his COPD is presumed to be due to service-connected vocal cord cancer treatment. The claim for secondary service connection for COPD is granted.

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and bronchitis with COPD have been rated appropriately, but the effective dates for the increased ratings are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pulmonary asbestosis, diagnosed as COPD, does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent before September 26, 2006. From September 26, 2006, forward, it does not meet criteria for a 100 percent rating.