The VA denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for service-connected coccidioidomycosis, finding that there were no manifestations of localized pulmonary cavitation or dense and confluent lesions with occasional hemoptysis.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence showing localized pulmonary cavitation or dense and confluent lesions in the veteran's lungs at the time of his death.
- Claimed conditions
- Coccidioidomycosis, Lung Cancer (Adenocarcinoma)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2005
- Citation
- 0510896
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 0510896.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD evaluation, service connection for coccidioidomycosis, right clavicle disorder with scars, and arthritis in the shoulders, ribs, chest wall, and hands were all denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU with an effective date of April 10, 1999. From January 26, 2009 onwards, he is also entitled to SMC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
- Granted
The Board found that the Veteran's death was causally related to a psychiatric disorder possibly linked to service, including his treatment for coccidioidomycosis during service. The claim is granted.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of PTSD and granted it, finding that there is a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current mood disorder with PTSD is related to his military service. The claim for residuals of T11-T12 compression fracture and coccidioidomycosis remains pending.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.