The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a chronic lung disorder or any other condition related to service, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of collapsed lungs, including chronic pneumonia, Behcet's disease, and lung disease disorder, is denied.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence showing a diagnosis of any current residual conditions from service, and the most recent episode of pneumonia occurred over two decades after service.
- Claimed conditions
- collapsed lungs, chronic pneumonia, Behcet's disease, lung disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0938062
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 0938062.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claims for increased ratings for lung disease and residuals of esophageal cancer as moot because the Veteran was already in receipt of the highest possible ratings for these conditions, which are in effect for the entirety of the appeal period. The claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at a higher level based on need for aid and assistance due to the Veteran's condition prior to his passing is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that the evidence submitted tends to disprove a link between his current condition and active service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for chronic pneumonia and increased rating for major depression have been granted. The Veteran's sinus headaches are not rated higher than the current 30 percent evaluation.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's lung disease is granted as service-connected due to asbestos exposure during service. The Veteran's coronary artery disease claim is remanded for further evaluation.
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.