The Veteran's pleural plaques have been manifested by FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) of greater than 80 percent of predicted value, and DLCO (SB) (Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method) of greater than 80 percent of predicted value. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 6825.,The Veteran's COPD has been manifested without maximum exercise capacity equal to or less than 20 ml/kg/min of oxygen consumption, cor pulmonale, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, one or more episodes of acute respiratory failure, or the requirement for outpatient oxygen therapy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pleural plaques have FVC and DLCO results above 80 percent predicted value, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 6825.
- Claimed conditions
- Pleural Plaques, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1712818
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 1712818.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for COPD due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for a supplemental medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal to reduce the ratings for OSA and COPD with asthma and granuloma of the lung was denied, as well as his attempt to add a claim for service connection for aphasia secondary to TBI. The appeals were dismissed due to untimeliness.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requests an addendum opinion from a pulmonologist or clinician with appropriate expertise to determine if the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to his VA conceded TERA exposure, including exposure to TCDD, jet fuel and engine exhaust, hazardous chemicals, lead, vehicle engine exhaust fumes, chemical vapors, oily/hazardous waste, chemical solvents, and compressed gases.
- Denied
The Veteran's COPD was evaluated and found not to meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating based on the provided pulmonary function test results. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of service connection or exposure basis that would warrant a higher rating.
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