The Board has granted service connection for atelectasis, finding that the Veteran's respiratory disorder is related to his military service and exposure to burn pits. The decision also notes conflicting evidence regarding chronic hypoxia but finds it not connected to service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the Veteran’s diagnosed atelectasis and symptoms of chronic hypoxia are likely attributable to environmental exposures during his active service in Southwest Asia, including exposure to burn pits.
- Claimed conditions
- reatelectasis, chronic hypoxia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20056417
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 20056417.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for VA's PCAFC benefits is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion supporting the denial of benefits. The Board finds that the Veteran requires personal care services and supervision, meeting the basic medical eligibility criteria under PCAFC.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded both issues for further development and consideration, including the provision of a medical opinion to address the Veteran's claims.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's atelectasis is not related to his active service and denied both claims for service connection.
- Whole decision: Denied
The appellant's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1815 and § 1805 is denied as she does not have a diagnosis of spina bifida, her mother did not serve in Vietnam, and the law precludes her from receiving these benefits.
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