COPD Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for atrioventricular block and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to Agent Orange exposure in service. The VA will provide medical opinions to determine the etiology of these conditions.

Service connection for a prostate disorder and urinary disabilities is granted. Service connection for headaches is denied, as there is no diagnosed headache disability. The claim for COPD due to herbicide exposure is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable error in the AOJ's previous decision. The evidence supports a link between the Veteran's current respiratory condition and his military service, particularly due to asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural errors and a need for toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) development, including an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's current COPD.

The appeal for service connection of PTSD was denied due to severance. The COPD claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and needs further development.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for left ear hearing loss and COPD due to a lack of an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for COPD with air trapping, exertional dyspnea, and lung nodules is being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and a heart condition as secondary to COPD, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on her need for supervision, protection, or instruction due to multiple diagnosed conditions and functional limitations. The appeal is being remanded for further development to determine eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

Service connection for emphysema and COPD is granted. An effective date of March 16, 2020, for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for depression, a compensable rating for hypertension, TDIU, and COPD with asthma have been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding asbestos exposure and a need for further examination of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including COPD.

The Veteran's asthma rating was reduced from 60% to 30%, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the original 60% rating.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for COPD and sleep apnea, special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria being met, and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) based on permanent and total disability status. These awards are effective from November 16, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's COPD would not have occurred without his in-service exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for COPD, bladder cancer, and a heart condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including sinus and COPD, due to its complexity and need for additional medical opinions. The Appellant contends that the Veteran's PTSD and OSA caused or aggravated his respiratory condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected residuals of lung adenocarcinoma status post right lower lobe lobectomy, as distinguished from other nonservice-connected lung disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for a respiratory condition, including COPD. The Veteran was exposed to asbestos during service and presumed to have been exposed to herbicides in Vietnam.