The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder is not related to his in-service episode of pneumonia, and thus denied service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's current condition was incurred or caused by service due to the unusual nature of residual symptoms from a single resolved pneumonia episode.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Respiratory Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2014
- Citation
- 1448950
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 1448950.
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 Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a chronic respiratory disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD during service and the evidence supports that it is related to in-service stressors. Service connection is also granted for his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. However, service connection cannot be established without a VA examination or supporting medical evidence for his chronic respiratory disorder and bilateral hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorders, particularly whether they are related to his service in Vietnam. The Veteran contends that he developed these conditions due to exposure to various hazardous chemicals while serving in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for a Traumatic Brain Injury as moot due to the absence of a controversy. The claim for service connection for a Chronic Respiratory Disorder was denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed. The previously denied claim of hypertension was reopened and granted a 50% evaluation. The initial evaluation for depressive disorder was granted at 50%. Other claims were remanded.
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