COPD Board decisions

The Board has determined that the appellant has submitted sufficient evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder, and the appeal will be granted to that extent. Further development of the evidence is required before readjudication can occur.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions did not cause his death, but rather it was due to his non-service-connected heart disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his diagnosed condition and his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, residuals of a left wrist injury, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Service connection was denied for degenerative arthritis of the left hip, groin pull (claimed as groin disorder), arthritis (excluding left wrist and right foot), and skin rash classified as chronic, recurrent dermatitis mostly affecting the groin and lower abdomen.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as a result of cigarette smoking during active service and/or nicotine dependence acquired during active service, finding no evidence of inservice tobacco use or nicotine dependence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder, left fifth finger, and right knee disabilities. The right shoulder disability was rated as noncompensable due to painful range of motion with crepitus. The left fifth finger disability did not meet criteria for a compensable rating under current VA guidelines. The right knee disability received a 10 percent initial rating.

The Board found that the veteran's respiratory disorder, including COPD, did not start during service or due to service-connected PTSD. The claim was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression) and a respiratory disorder (to include COPD), finding no evidence of such conditions in service or related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's COPD with emphysema did not originate in service and denied his claim.

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

The Board found that the veteran was not exposed to ionizing radiation during service and his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, with lumbosacral strain, and COPD are not related to service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence added since the SOC was issued, and the appellant is required to take no action unless otherwise notified.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for COPD, finding that it is due to nicotine dependence related to cigarette smoking that began during his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claimed as secondary to tobacco use in service is denied due to the bar on claims for disability compensation due to tobacco use during service.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, hearing loss and tinnitus, hypertension, and residuals of a left hand injury. The evidence does not support the veteran's claims that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.,Service records do not show any respiratory issues, hearing problems, high blood pressure, or injuries to the left hand during service. The earliest signs of COPD, hearing loss, hypertension, and a history of injury to the left hand occurred many years after service.

The Board granted service connection for chronic bronchitis and COPD secondary to asbestos exposure, assigning a noncompensable evaluation which was later increased to 30 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as his basal cell carcinoma, were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not support a finding of radiation exposure during service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a chronic respiratory disorder during service and there was no evidence of asbestos or Agent Orange exposure. The current respiratory disorders are not etiologically related to any injury or disease in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence and to ensure compliance with Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 requirements.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development of evidence, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an examination by a board of two physicians.