The Veteran's COPD and psychiatric disorder were denied as they did not onset in service or were not caused by his service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, neurological disorder, and arthritis was also denied due to lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to service.,An increased rating for macular mottling from July 30, 2014 to December 1, 2017 was granted at a 50% level but the Veteran's claim for a higher rating is still pending.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that COPD or psychiatric disorders were related to service. The Veteran also provided no lay testimony regarding these conditions.,There was no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, neurological disorder, or arthritis in service and the Veteran provided no lay testimony supporting a link between his current conditions and service.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for macular mottling is still pending as there were no incapacitating episodes during the 12-month period prior to July 30, 2014.

Claimed conditions

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, neurological disorder, arthritis, to include the left and right knees

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

50%

Decision date

January 29, 2019

Citation

19106734