The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for pneumoconiosis was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation or for TDIU.
The deciding factor: The medical findings of pulmonary function tests, need for outpatient oxygen therapy, and exercise capacity tests were 'like or similar' to those explicitly listed in the rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Pneumoconiosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2017
- Citation
- 1740724
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1740724.
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: Granted
The Veteran's interstitial lung disease and pneumoconiosis are found to have originated during active service, warranting service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's COPD with pneumoconiosis and its relation to service, specifically exposure to asbestos and herbicide agents in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected pneumoconiosis did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from September 10, 2010 to October 8, 2013.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for pneumoconiosis prior to June 3, 2010 was denied as there is no evidence of forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 81 percent predicted or diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide by the single breath method (DLCO (SB)) less than 81 percent predicted. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for pneumoconiosis since June 3, 2010 remains pending.
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