COPD Board decisions

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was cardio-respiratory failure due to ASHD and COPD, which were not service-connected. The Board found no material or significant relationship between service-connected disabilities and the medical conditions that caused or contributed to the veteran's death.

The Board found that the claim of service connection for COPD is not well-grounded and denied it.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for bilateral hearing loss and COPD, including bronchitis. The veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his in-service exposure to weapons-related acoustic trauma and smoking.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is not well-grounded because there is no competent medical evidence showing a nexus between the veteran's fatal heart and lung disorders and any event in service, including his service-connected gunshot wound.

The Board found that the appellant does not have PTSD and his current lung, heart, and nicotine dependence conditions are not service-connected. The claims were denied as not well-grounded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the low back is granted due to a diagnosis within one year postservice. The claim for respiratory disability (emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with pulmonary fibrosis) is denied as it does not meet the direct basis requirement. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine based on presumed incurrence while a POW during World War II.

The Board has not determined whether the cause of the veteran's death was service-connected, as new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The decision is pending.

The Board found no causal connection between the veteran's in-service pneumonia and his current lung disabilities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for COPD, arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, and asbestosis are not well grounded. The veteran's arguments have been considered, but there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not well-grounded. The Board found no evidence linking the current disabilities to his period of service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lung disorders, specifically chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma, are not service-connected as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board denied an increased rating for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dismissed the claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found the veteran's claim for service connection for pulmonary disorders not well grounded due to lack of supporting medical evidence.

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 his conditions do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found that there was no evidence linking in-service tobacco use to the veteran's cause of death, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current respiratory symptoms are not related to his service-connected right pneumothorax and therefore, a compensable rating is denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of medical evidence linking the cause of death (respiratory failure) to any in-service pathology, symptomatology, or exposure to asbestos.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the University of South Alabama Medical Center on August 4, 1997, as it does not meet the legal criteria required to establish entitlement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728(a).

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC and death pension benefits as her marriage to the veteran was less than a year prior to his death, which is not sufficient for basic eligibility under VA regulations.