The Board denied service connection for collapsed left lung, collapsed right lung with thoracotomy, and swallowing/esophageal problems as secondary to collapsed lungs due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's lung conditions were related to his in-service exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinion found no clear evidence linking the Veteran’s lung disabilities to Agent Orange exposure, and concluded that it was less likely as not that the lung conditions were due to herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- collapsed left lung, collapsed right lung with thoracotomy, swallowing/esophageal problems
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 4, 2018
- Citation
- 18155593
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 18155593.
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 remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's conditions are presumed related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for a chronic respiratory condition including COPD, bronchitis, and residuals of pneumonia.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral eye disability, bronchitis, collapsed left lung, viral infection of the lungs, and an acquired psychiatric disability, all allegedly due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claims will be reviewed with additional medical examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a respiratory examination. The issues include determining if his collapsed left lung warrants an initial compensable rating, service connection for chronic respiratory conditions (including bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, COPD), and sleep apnea are warranted, as well as whether he is entitled to TDIU.
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