The Board denied service connection for COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service injury. The rating for the gunshot wound, right chest, with muscle group XX damage, was remanded due to lack of examination.,The Veteran's service-connected injuries do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5320.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that COPD is related to the Veteran's in-service injury or any other service-connected condition. The Board found no medical opinion linking the current COPD to his military service.,The VA examinations did not show severe impairment of muscle group XX, as required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5320.
- Claimed conditions
- COPD, gunshot wound, right chest, with muscle group XX damage
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19123961
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,188 · Granted: 23% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19123961.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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 COPD, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current respiratory disability and active duty service. The VA examiner concluded that the COPD was more likely due to tobacco use rather than asbestos exposure in service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. COPD is considered a disease associated with such exposure.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for COPD. The Veteran's COPD is presumed due to exposure to herbicides, but the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is related to in-service exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lung condition, including pneumonia residuals, COPD, and emphysema, is remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service. The appeal is reopened based on new evidence.
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