The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, claimed as emphysema and diagnosed as COPD and asthma. The Veteran's separation physical examination did not document any complaints or observed symptoms related to these disorders.,The Board also denied service connection for right lung pain (claimed as right subcostal pain, costochondral). There is no evidence of such a condition in service or within one year after service.,Service connection was denied for halitosis. The Veteran's first indication of this disorder was not until 2003.
The deciding factor: The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims, including lack of exposure to asbestos and toxic herbicides during service, as well as a lack of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disorder (claimed as emphysema and diagnosed as COPD and asthma), right lung pain (claimed as right subcostal pain, costochondral), halitosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 1, 2016
- Citation
- 1603239
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 1603239.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals on several issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lung disorders, including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, are being remanded for additional development to determine their relationship to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. Right lung pain and halitosis are also being reviewed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema, asthma, right lung pain, and halitosis are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various respiratory disabilities, including emphysema and asthma, which he asserts are related to his active service in Vietnam. The development includes obtaining VA treatment records from Detroit and Allen Park, as well as clarifying the Veteran's identity.
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