The Veteran's service-connected restrictive lung disease was evaluated at a 30 percent rating since May 5, 2009. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records showed FEV-1/FVC or DLCO results were below the required range (40 to 55 percent predicted) for a 60 percent evaluation, and no current PFTs were available due to the Veteran's refusal.
- Claimed conditions
- Restrictive lung disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20026780
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20026780.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of left shoulder, left sinus tarsi syndrome disorder, right sinus tarsi syndrome disorder, left ankle condition and right ankle condition.,Service connection was granted for restrictive lung disease, lumbosacral strain condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, bilateral metatarsalgia condition and bilateral plantar fasciitis condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's September 4, 2024 HLR request was improperly rejected by the AOJ. The Board finds that the request is timely and valid, and reinstates the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board found that the original grant of service connection for restrictive lung disease was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus granting restoration of service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and restrictive lung disease, is related to his active service.
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