The VA determined that the veteran's current COPD is not related to service, including exposure to asbestos or other potential causes. The Board concluded that the COPD is more likely due to the veteran's long-term cigarette smoking.
The deciding factor: VA medical evidence does not support a link between the veteran's current COPD and his military service, including any potential asbestos exposure or tobacco use during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Pulmonary disorder, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), Bronchitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 26, 2006
- Citation
- 0615585
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 0615585.
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.
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The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted separate ratings of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance, a higher rating under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o), and a higher rating under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1).
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, bronchitis, liver abscess, abdominal aorta, left and right hamstring disabilities. The Board granted an increased disability rating of 40 percent for right upper extremity radiculopathy but denied all other claims.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for a lumbar spine disability and dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, left thumb tremor, and bronchitis due to untimely filing of a notice of disagreement.
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