COPD Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims will be reconsidered based on all applicable laws and regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and verify the veteran's claimed Vietnam-era exposure.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for asthma and granted it, with the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder including asthma and COPD being addressed in the remand portion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected condition, and whether he is entitled to DIC and DEA benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's COPD is not related to his service, including exposure to asbestos. The COPD was attributed to smoking and not due to asbestos exposure.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his COPD to military service or asbestos exposure.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, which the Board accepted.

The Board denied the claims of entitlement to service connection for shrapnel wound to the back, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a cold weather injury, and PTSD. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asbestosis, is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder in service and noting that post-service treatment began over 20 years after discharge. The Board also found that there is no current specific statutory guidance on asbestos exposure claims.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death. The medical evidence does not show that his end-stage COPD/emphysema had its origins in service, and there is no indication of a connection between his lung cancer and his service.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was caused by exposure to toxic gases during his military service, and granted service connection for COPD.

The veteran's service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease results in a loss of use of both lower extremities, qualifying him for specially adapted housing assistance.

The veteran's claim to reopen the issue of entitlement to TDIU benefits prior to May 1, 1998 is denied as it is legally insufficient.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right thumb injury, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability are not established. The claim for service connection for right wrist disability is pending.,Pending issues include the establishment of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and COPD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding no evidence of a nexus to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the veteran's condition was not related to his active service or exposure to Agent Orange. The effective dates for PTSD and TDIU were granted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, pulmonary disorder (to include COPD, Emphysema, and/or Bronchial Disorder), and sinus disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury that resulted in current disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The skin disability claim is pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder on a direct incurrence basis. The secondary service connection issue, related to residuals of a submucous resection, will be remanded for further action.