The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's diagnosed respiratory disorders to his active service, including exposure to asbestos or herbicides. The claims for service connection were denied.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence establishing a direct relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory conditions and his military service, including any potential herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- wheezing, exertional dyspnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2015
- Citation
- 1552054
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1552054.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a respiratory disability other than asthma, right shoulder disability, rhinitis, and sinusitis have been denied. The claim for GERD has resulted in a 30% rating but not higher.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a disability manifested by wheezing, but remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a respiratory disability, to include chronic cough, wheezing, and bronchitis, as an adequate VA examination and medical opinion are needed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, is considered an undiagnosed illness due to service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.
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