The Veteran seeks service connection for respiratory problems, including COPD and emphysema, which he claims are related to asbestos exposure while serving aboard the USS Helena. The VA has provided a medical opinion linking his COPD and emphysema to minimal possible significant asbestos exposure in service. However, this opinion is deemed inadequate due to lack of clear conclusions with supporting data.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinion dated in September 2016 does not include a complete rationale connecting the Veteran's respiratory disorders to his claimed asbestos exposure in service.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disorder to include COPD and emphysema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1717039
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 1717039.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
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- Denied
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- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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