The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed lung disorders, specifically chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and pneumoconiosis, are related to the in-service exposure to asbestos. As such, service connection for a lung disorder is granted.
The deciding factor: The private examiners' opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lung disorders and in-service asbestos exposure outweigh the VA examiners' findings of no asbestosis or restrictive lung disease.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), pneumoconiosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 16, 2015
- Citation
- 1539604
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 1539604.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's pneumoconiosis during the period on appeal, finding that his Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for pneumoconiosis and sinusitis due to in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) because of a duty to assist error. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for pneumoconiosis as the evidence did not support a finding that his disability met the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for lung disability other than COPD, sinus infection, allergies and hypersensitivity, and COPD due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.