The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder (COPD), skin condition (immersion foot), and residuals of heat stroke, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.,Service connection was not granted as there was no direct link between the conditions and military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's lung disorder, skin condition, and heat stroke residuals were not related to his active duty service. The medical evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and his time in the military.
- Claimed conditions
- lung disorder (COPD), skin condition (immersion foot), residuals of heat stroke
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20061416
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 20061416.
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 determined that the VA did not obtain all relevant VA treatment records prior to issuing the July 2021 rating decision, which may have affected the outcome of the case. The claim for service connection for residuals of heat stroke is being remanded to allow for a thorough review and consideration of all available evidence.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the issues of cervical spondylosis, high blood pressure, thoracolumbar spine disability (low back pain), unspecified right leg condition, anxiety (depression/insomnia), hypothyroidism, residuals of heat stroke, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder condition is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a failure to properly notify him of scheduled VA examinations. The RO is instructed to provide proper notification and schedule the Veteran for necessary medical examinations.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.