The veteran's lung disease, including bullous emphysema and the residuals of a left pneumothorax in 1996, is considered to be the result of disease incurred in service.

The Board dismissed the claims for increased ratings for lung disease and residuals of esophageal cancer as moot because the Veteran was already in receipt of the highest possible ratings for these conditions, which are in effect for the entirety of the appeal period. The claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at a higher level based on need for aid and assistance due to the Veteran's condition prior to his passing is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that the evidence submitted tends to disprove a link between his current condition and active service.

The Veteran's lung disease is granted as service-connected due to asbestos exposure during service. The Veteran's coronary artery disease claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for bullous emphysema was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for such a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral posterior synechia; bilateral dry eye syndrome; left eye band keratopathy; and bilateral pseudophakia (previously rated as uveitis) was denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes during the past year.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hearing loss was denied because his best corrected visual acuity did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) was denied as there was no evidence linking ED to his military service.