COPD Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of COPD, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is remanded due to the need for an addendum medical opinion. The claims of increased rating for diabetes mellitus type 2 and compensable rating for diabetic retinopathy are also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for COPD and PTSD, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder claim due to a duty-to-assist error in the March 2021 VA examination. The Veteran needs an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his COPD and his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis/COPD is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA TERA medical opinion did not address the issue of burn pit exposure and the synergistic combined effect of all TERAs.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and SMC has been dismissed due to his death. The claims will not be reconsidered.

The Veteran's initial, compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. Service connection for a respiratory disability due to in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) was granted. The claims of entitlement to an initial, compensable rating for service-connected hypertension and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically failing to provide an examination as required by the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent tonsillitis and hypertrophic tonsils has been granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a pulmonary disability, to include COPD.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be related to his exposure to toxic herbicides during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted.,A 60 percent rating for COPD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's asthma with COPD is rated at 60 percent, indicating moderate disability in breathing.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are remanded due to errors in obtaining and reviewing VA treatment records prior to August 2019, as well as failing to schedule a VA examination.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to a withdrawal by the Veteran. The claims of service connection for high blood pressure and sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected COPD and PTSD have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's asthma, COPD, and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected on a direct basis. The Board found the evidence in approximate balance regarding the onset of his respiratory symptoms during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the need for regular aid and attendance, as he is capable of performing most activities of daily living with assistance from his informal caretaker.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is caused by his service-connected hypertension, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for aortic aneurysm, cerebrovascular small vessel disease, emphysema, and COPD are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The service connection claim for a back disability as secondary to his bilateral knee disabilities is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in VA examiner opinions regarding the Veteran's METs level and COPD diagnosis. The case is returned for further clarification from a qualified clinician.