The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current lung conditions and his in-service asbestos exposure. The VA examiners concluded that the pulmonary nodules, right lower-lobe scarring, atelectasis, and mild restrictive lung disease were not caused by asbestos exposure without any evidence of actual asbestosis.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current lung conditions and his in-service asbestos exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- lung disorder, pulmonary nodules, right lower-lobe scarring, atlectasis, mild restrictive lung disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21012672
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 21012672.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his COPD with ILD, specifically bronchiectasis and pulmonary nodules as it is a freestanding claim that cannot be filed after a final decision.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary nodules are causally related to his active duty military service and grants entitlement to service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a challenge regarding the competency of the VA examiner who provided an opinion on the Veteran's COPD and pulmonary nodules. The Veteran's representative argued that the examiner lacked sufficient training and expertise, necessitating further investigation.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, brain tumor, and pulmonary nodules due to toxic exposures in service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical records, and VA examiners have provided opinions linking these conditions to his exposure to various toxins during military service.
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.