The veteran's service-connected bronchiectasis is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms. The Board found that the veteran's condition did not warrant an increased evaluation as there were no incapacitating episodes or significant findings requiring antibiotic usage more than twice a year.
The deciding factor: The veteran’s bronchiectasis was evaluated under the old and new criteria for bronchiectasis, but the current rating of 30 percent does not meet the requirements for higher ratings based on the severity of his symptoms. The Board found that he did not have sufficient incapacitating episodes or antibiotic usage to warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- bronchiectasis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 11, 2002
- Citation
- 0207644
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0207644.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lung disability, to include bronchiectasis, based on herbicide agent exposure due to the Veteran's service in Vietnam.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bronchiectasis and allergic rhinitis, finding no evidence of a causal relationship between the in-service toxic exposures and the current conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a respiratory disability, diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the lung, atelectasis, and bronchiectasis, to obtain an updated TERA memorandum and new VA opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a new VA medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lung disability, considering both direct service connection and toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) theories.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.