COPD Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's current lung ailments are not related to service, specifically his claimed pulmonary tuberculosis. The Board concluded that there is no evidence of a diagnosis or treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis during service and denied the claim.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 11, 1983, for a 100 percent rating for his service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with bronchial asthma and heart disability was denied as the earliest ascertainable increase in disability occurred on May 11, 1983.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder and gastrointestinal disorder, finding no evidence of such conditions during service or due to herbicide exposure. The veteran's current diagnoses were not associated with his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for asbestosis and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The majority of his pulmonary impairment is attributed to nonservice-connected COPD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from Saranac Lake General Hospital and Fort Hamilton VA Hospital. The veteran's claim for service connection for COPD will be reconsidered based on this additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematous all secondary to his service-connected neurodermatitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notice and duty-to-assist provisions, as well as additional VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of evidence showing that COPD was first manifested in service or related to his use of tobacco products during service, which is prohibited by law.

The Board found that the veteran's pulmonary disorder is not related to his service exposure to asbestos, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding no evidence of a chronic disability during his military service or within one year after separation. The Board also found that there is no competent and probative evidence linking COPD to his period of active duty, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that a chronic respiratory disorder including COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the veteran's broken ankle residuals are also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic peripheral neuropathy and COPD, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for a powered wheelchair is denied as there is no evidence of loss or use of both lower extremities, combined with severe impairment of at least one upper extremity.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that lung cancer, COPD and/or tuberculosis were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as a result.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, dry eyes, and a low back disability. The decision is final as it was not appealed within one year of the RO's September 1991 denial.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Board determined that the veteran's cause of death (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, T/C Koch's infection, and probable lung cancer) was not service-connected. The appellant is also denied basic eligibility for VA non-service connected death pension benefits due to lack of qualifying service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the cause of the veteran's death was not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.