The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for pulmonary fibrosis and left ankle synovitis with degenerative joint disease was denied. The Veteran is service-connected for these conditions, but the appeals are based on their merits rather than any presumption or secondary connection.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to May 21, 2012 and for ratings in excess of 30 percent between May 21, 2012 and July 26, 2013 for pulmonary fibrosis. For left ankle synovitis with degenerative joint disease, the Veteran's disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- pulmonary fibrosis, left ankle synovitis with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 14, 2017
- Citation
- 1751910
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 1751910.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.
- Granted
The Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis is related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors, including obtaining signed consent forms and an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's lung complications.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disorder, including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and pulmonary asbestosis, due to in-service asbestos exposure.
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