The Board has granted service connection for COPD and squamous cell carcinoma on a presumptive basis due to mustard gas exposure during service. Service connection is denied for a skin disorder other than squamous cell carcinoma.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on the presumption of exposure to mustard gas, which is associated with certain respiratory conditions and skin disorders listed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.316.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2000
- Citation
- 0011356
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0011356.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requests an addendum opinion from a pulmonologist or clinician with appropriate expertise to determine if the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to his VA conceded TERA exposure, including exposure to TCDD, jet fuel and engine exhaust, hazardous chemicals, lead, vehicle engine exhaust fumes, chemical vapors, oily/hazardous waste, chemical solvents, and compressed gases.
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