The veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder and rheumatoid arthritis were denied as there was no evidence of an in-service incurrence or a link to service.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence linking the claimed conditions to service, and the first onset of symptoms occurred many years after separation from service.
- Claimed conditions
- Pulmonary disorder, Rheumatoid arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2008
- Citation
- 0814032
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 Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's combined disability rating for Parkinson's disease and its manifestations is 100 percent, and special monthly compensation at the rate set forth in 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) is granted.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for a heart disorder, Parkinson's disease, pulmonary disorder, skin rash, and posttraumatic stress disorder are dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability, as secondary to a service-connected neck disability, due to an inadequate VA medical opinion.
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.