The Board denied service connection for lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and eosinophilic pneumonia as they were not related to active military service or exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange), chemicals, or asbestos.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a direct relationship between the Veteran's lung disorders and his in-service duties or any other known exposures.
- Claimed conditions
- lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, eosinophilic pneumonia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2021
- Citation
- 21001318
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 21001318.
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 Board dismissed the claims for increased ratings for lung disease and residuals of esophageal cancer as moot because the Veteran was already in receipt of the highest possible ratings for these conditions, which are in effect for the entirety of the appeal period. The claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at a higher level based on need for aid and assistance due to the Veteran's condition prior to his passing is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that the evidence submitted tends to disprove a link between his current condition and active service.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's lung disease is granted as service-connected due to asbestos exposure during service. The Veteran's coronary artery disease claim is remanded for further evaluation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's death was caused by radiation, but the cause of his hematuria and prostate cancer is under review. The Board finds that VA did not obtain a proper medical opinion regarding the relationship between in-service asbestos exposure and the Veteran's death.
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