The Board found that the veteran's current pulmonary disorder, to include emphysema, was not incurred during his military service and denied his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current pulmonary condition to his period of active duty service. The absence of any objective evidence of COPD or emphysema between the period of active military service and the diagnoses in 2004 and 2005, combined with the lack of a nexus between the acute episode in service and the veteran's current pulmonary problems, is considered negative evidence against his claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Pulmonary Disorder/Emphysema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2008
- Citation
- 0827872
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 0827872.
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
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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