The reduction in the rating from 10 percent to noncompensable for the service-connected bilateral calcified pleural plaques was not proper, and the 10 percent rating is restored. The Veteran's entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral calcified pleurae plaques and total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) are remanded.
The deciding factor: The reduction was not appropriate because the evidence showed that the Veteran's respiratory condition had improved, warranting additional development before effectuating the reduction.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral calcified pleural plaques
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19196959
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 19196959.
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.
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The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's COPD, lung nodules, and calcified pleural plaques are directly related to service. The VA needs to obtain an addendum from a clinician.
- Granted
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- Remanded (sent back)
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