The Veteran's respiratory condition, as reflected in his pulmonary function tests (PFTs), has not shown a level of disability that warrants an increased rating beyond the current 60 percent assigned under Diagnostic Code 6604 for COPD.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC values less than 40% predicted, which would be required for a higher rating of 100%. The Veteran's FVC score was consistently above the threshold for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Respiratory condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21022536
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 21022536.
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: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including insomnia, is granted. The respiratory and eye conditions are remanded for further evaluation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including restrictive lung disease, finding that his current diagnosis is related to his in-service symptoms and exposure. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation beyond its natural progression by military duties.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition and GERD. The Veteran is being remanded to provide an addendum medical opinion considering direct service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for a new VA examination.
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