The Board found that the Veteran's lung disease and right lung nodule were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of such conditions during his military service. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was diagnosed after discharge from service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not show that the Veteran's lung disease and right lung nodule were incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was diagnosed after discharge from service and there is no direct evidence showing its onset during service.
- Claimed conditions
- lung disease, right lung nodule, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 21, 2014
- Citation
- 1411984
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 1411984.
What this means for you
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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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for TDIU prior to October 18, 2018 due to a lack of evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- 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 emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other spontaneous pneumothorax status post thoracotomy is rated as 100% disabling since February 28, 2024. His major depressive disorder is separately rated at 70%. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) due to his service-connected disabilities.
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