Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is denied as the condition did not manifest in or was not related to his active duty. The special monthly pension based on aid and attendance of another person is also denied due to lack of need.

The deciding factor: Service connection cannot be established because there is no evidence that the Veteran's current COPD first manifested during service, nor can it be linked to any incident therein. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension as he has a combined rating of 80% from nonservice-connected disabilities and does not require regular aid and attendance.

Claimed conditions
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
80%
Decision date
May 28, 2009
Citation
0919891

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 0919891.

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.

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.