The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service. The Veteran had COPD but no in-service event or disease related to it. There was also no exposure to asbestos during service. The Board found that the Veteran did not require regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities (hearing loss and tinnitus) and thus, SMC based on need for aid and attendance was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish a causal relationship between COPD and service, nor did it show exposure to asbestos. The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus were found insufficient to require regular aid and assistance.
- Claimed conditions
- COPD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21007194
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 21007194.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current respiratory disability and active duty service. The VA examiner concluded that the COPD was more likely due to tobacco use rather than asbestos exposure in service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. COPD is considered a disease associated with such exposure.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for COPD. The Veteran's COPD is presumed due to exposure to herbicides, but the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is related to in-service exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lung condition, including pneumonia residuals, COPD, and emphysema, is remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service. The appeal is reopened based on new evidence.
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