The Veteran's service-connected restrictive lung disease and post-operative thoracotomy scars of the right chest do not warrant higher disability ratings, with the exception that his post-operative thoracotomy scars are currently rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show any worsening in the severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions since the last VA examination in September 2011, and therefore a new examination was not required to decide these claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Restrictive Lung Disease, Post-operative Thoracotomy Scars, Right Chest
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 8, 2013
- Citation
- 1321793
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1321793.
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
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disorder, specifically Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Restrictive Lung Disease, finding that it is proximately due to his obesity which was caused by his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions and VA treatment records, as well as potential exposure to burn pits during service. The Veteran's respiratory disabilities are presumed related to his service in Southwest Asia under the PACT Act.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected diabetes, which contributed to the development of restrictive lung disease. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability, restrictive lung disease, and diabetes mellitus. The Board found no evidence to support these conditions as being related to active service.
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