The Board found that the Veteran does not have presumptive bronchiectasis or any asbestos-related disease. The Veteran has objective medical evidence of COPD in the form of emphysema, which was first shown many years following discharge from service and is more likely than not related to years of cigarette smoking and less likely than not related to in-service asbestos exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations found no current diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease or non-service-connected COPD. The Veteran's COPD is attributed to his long-term cigarette smoking rather than in-service asbestos exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1618490
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 1618490.
What this means for you
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance from another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.
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