The Board found that the veteran's nicotine dependence and resulting respiratory symptoms, including interstitial lung disease and COPD, were incurred in or aggravated by service. The initial evaluation for these conditions is granted at a 60 percent rating effective from October 7, 1996.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the veteran's smoking history during service, combined with asbestos exposure, contributed to his current lung disease and symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Nicotine dependence, Interstitial lung disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- October 28, 2002
- Citation
- 0215108
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 0215108.
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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- Denied
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