COPD Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's respiratory disability did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation prior to December 11, 2000. Therefore, the effective date of the 100 percent rating cannot be earlier than December 11, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his alcohol abuse, which is secondary to service-connected PTSD. Therefore, the cause of the veteran's death is related to a disease that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability and service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current pulmonary disorder related to his service, including exposure to asbestos. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) and related pulmonary conditions, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation of type II diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart disorder and COPD have been dismissed due to the veteran withdrawing his appeal regarding these issues prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's current respiratory condition, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and whether it was caused by exposure to below freezing temperatures in service.

The Board denied service connection for nicotine dependence and lung disorder (to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema) as the evidence did not show that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active duty.,The veteran's claim was based on secondary service connection, but the Board found no basis to establish direct service connection either.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's COPD is related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not related to his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the claim of service connection for the cause of death due to exposure to mustard gas during military service. The veteran's COPD, while diagnosed post-service, does not appear to be related to his in-service exposures.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for COPD or an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appellant's current conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected schizophrenia, but also found in favor of a connection between sarcoidosis and COPD. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, COPD, and bilateral hallux valgus with bunions. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD, including based on herbicide exposure, has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining employment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current pulmonary disorders are linked to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 14, 1993 for the grant of service connection for asbestosis and COPD with emphysema.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis was denied due to lack of evidence of the condition. The veteran's need for aid and attendance was granted, with a special monthly pension rate based on his physical limitations.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and arthritis, finding no direct relationship to the veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of amebic dysentery, gunshot wound to the right hand and wrist, or shell fragment wound to the left leg. The claim for COPD is denied as there is no evidence linking it to exposure to phosene gas in service. The skin disorder claims are also denied due to lack of evidence connecting them to service.