The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include COPD; and ratings in excess of 10 percent for history of lumbar strain with sacralization at L-5 with L4-5 disc space narrowing, arthralgia of the right shoulder, arthralgia of the left shoulder, arthralgia of the right wrist, and bilateral elbow arthralgia. The Veteran was exposed to a chemical fire during service, which may be related to his current respiratory disorders.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory disorders are etiologically related to his exposure to a chemical fire during service.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disorder, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder), bronchitis, bronchiectasis
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18102310
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 18102310.
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
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his COPD with ILD, specifically bronchiectasis and pulmonary nodules as it is a freestanding claim that cannot be filed after a final decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The Veteran's skin disorder, respiratory disorder, Crohn's disease, eye disorder, and migraines are all being reviewed again with new medical evaluations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for frequent urination, erectile dysfunction, chronic pain multiple joints, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and chronic bradycardia, acid reflux, bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to the presence of service-connected conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that the evidence submitted tends to disprove a link between his current condition and active service.
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