COPD Board decisions

The VA has determined that the veteran's COPD, which is currently rated at 10 percent, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms and pulmonary function test results.

The veteran's service connection claims for COPD, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Chloracne secondary to exposure to Agent Orange are denied. The claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD is granted with a rating of 50 percent. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for chondromalacia of the right patella is also granted.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% due to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, but the other conditions are not service-connected.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes due to his service-connected disabilities, including syncope, COPD, depression, cardiovascular disorders, and sinusitis.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and emphysema due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran seeks service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with emphysema, which he claims is secondary to his inservice tobacco use. The Board has determined that additional development and evidence are needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and arteriosclerosis, finding that there is no current diagnosis of arteriosclerosis or evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the veteran's exposure to tear gas during service and its impact on his current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The case will be returned for further action.

The VA Regional Office has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete pulmonary function studies, including a lack of diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide by the single breath method (DLCO(SB)).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including PTSD, COPD, and cancer (claimed as Hodgkin's disease), due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for Agent Orange exposure was also denied.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for nicotine dependence and COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis (claimed as secondary to in-service tobacco use) has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board found that the veteran's lung disabilities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and emphysema, were not service-connected. The cause of death was attributed to these conditions rather than a service-connected disability. Service connection for radiation exposure or asbestos exposure could not be established due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to exposure to ionizing radiation during service.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, effective from May 18, 1993.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current asthma or COPD, and there is no evidence of such conditions during service. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as due to tobacco use in service, effective from his death (accrued benefit purposes).

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if nicotine dependence developed during service and if COPD is due to this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, COPD, and coronary artery disease as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to Agent Orange exposure.