The Veteran's service-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with bronchitis and traumatic arthritis have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, consistent with his high school education and previous barbering experience.
The deciding factor: VA examinations consistently found the Veteran's COPD and cervical spine arthritis severely limiting his ability to work due to respiratory issues and physical exertion limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with bronchitis, traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 23, 2011
- Citation
- 1135920
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 1135920.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain a TERA examination and medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's COPD with bronchitis is related to herbicide exposure during service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals seeking higher ratings for traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, dorsal spine, back disability, and left ulnar nerve have been withdrawn. As a result, these issues are dismissed.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU has been dismissed as he is already receiving the maximum combined rating for his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left foot drag, service connection for traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, and service connection for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine. The issues are also remanded for a determination on special monthly compensation.
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