The Veteran's service-connected interstitial fibrosis is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the objective evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The pre-bronchodilator FVC percent predicted most accurately reflects the Veteran’s level of disability, and does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of obstructive or restrictive lung disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Interstitial fibrosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19149647
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's interstitial fibrosis is related to his service, specifically asbestos exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, which may be related to service exposure. The issues of service connection for interstitial fibrosis and entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are also being addressed.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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