The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder and a cognitive disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic conditions related to service or exposure to asbestos or lead paint.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence showing a relationship between the veteran's current diagnoses (emphysema, COPD, and Alzheimer's disease) and his military service, including any claimed exposures to asbestos or lead paint.
- Claimed conditions
- Pulmonary Disorder, Cognitive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2008
- Citation
- 0803605
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 0803605.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran requires personal care services due to a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. The appeal is remanded to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and provide complete notice of the decision on his claim.
- Whole decision: Denied
The RO reduced the Veteran's SMC from M to L-M, effective May 13, 2015, as ordered by the Board of Veterans' Appeals in May 27, 2020. The reduction was due to a clear and unmistakable error in the original implementation decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his exposure to asbestos, particularly during service aboard a ship. A new examination and opinion are needed under the PACT Act for the Veteran's claimed pulmonary disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected cognitive disorder, finding that his symptoms more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.
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.