The Board found no evidence of a respiratory disorder in service or until many years after discharge, and concluded that the Veteran's current COPD with emphysema is more likely related to his smoking history rather than service. As such, the appeal was denied.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence suggesting an etiological relationship between the current respiratory disorder (COPD) and service or any incident therein.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 9, 2011
- Citation
- 1133487
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 1133487.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
The Board denied service connection for asthma, COPD, pancreatitis, stroke, and left arm weakness (claimed as secondary to stroke) based on the presumption of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or due to in-service exposure.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance from another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.
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