COPD Board decisions

The Board found that the causes of the veteran's death were not related to his military service and denied both claims for non-service-connected pension benefits and for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that it was not established due to the prohibition on tobacco-related claims filed after June 9, 1998.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA medical examination and notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and entitlement to accrued benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking his respiratory disorders to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, sinusitis, right great toe disability, and COPD are not related to his service. The case is being REMANDED for further action.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease and generalized anxiety disorder, prevent him from dressing, attending to his wants of nature, and protecting himself from daily hazards. He is not blind or helpless, nor does he require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to being housebound.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to insufficient evidence provided by the RO.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA medical records and the need for an addendum VA medical opinion regarding his claims. The issue of service connection for COPD has been placed in appellate status.

The Board found that the December 1997 rating decision did not contain clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in denying service connection for COPD secondary to tobacco use during military service.

The Board found that the service-connected ischemic heart disease did not contribute to the cause of death, which was due to emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, service connection for cause of death is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his nonservice-connected conditions, which include COPD, hypertension, visual impairment, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and other chronic health issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification of evidence regarding the veteran's asbestos exposure during service and its relation to his diagnosed COPD.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran withdrawing his appeal for service connection of COPD, and he was granted a TDIU instead.

The Board has determined that nicotine dependence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were not incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is related to his in-service pneumonia, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination results and clarification of outpatient oxygen therapy status.