COPD Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's lung disability did not originate during active service and is not associated with any nicotine dependence or tobacco use in service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis, COPD, and plantar fasciitis of the left foot are being remanded to allow for additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service connection and rating of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding that no prior communication or action could be considered as an informal claim.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions, specifically his cardiomyopathy and bilateral hearing loss, has been established. He is now entitled to a higher rate of special monthly compensation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection due to sarcoidosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding that the earliest possible effective date is April 15, 1999.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to asthma, was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by any disability incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found no current medical diagnosis of asbestosis and concluded that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not related to his active duty service or exposure to asbestos.

The Board found no evidence of the veteran's exposure to mustard gas or other vesicant agents during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's respiratory disability, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or a respiratory disorder, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for COPD, finding that there was no competent evidence linking his current respiratory disability to service or any incident therein.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death as secondary to nicotine dependence and in-service tobacco use, finding that the appellant had not submitted new and material evidence. The issue is remanded due to changes in law.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his service-connected COPD and obtain PFT results. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board determined that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and denied the claim for cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's COPD is service-connected, as it was directly related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that neither COPD nor ischemic heart disease was related to service and thus not warranting service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a cardiac disorder, finding new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claims. The heart disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected COPD does not prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.