Service connection for cardiomyopathy, COPD, and renal disease claimed as related to herbicide exposure or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is denied.,The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any relevant complaints or diagnoses. His current conditions are attributed to his history of cocaine abuse, smoking, hypertension, and pre-existing kidney issues.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents at Camp Lejeune.
- Claimed conditions
- Cardiomyopathy, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Renal Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21042678
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 21042678.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for COPD due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for a supplemental medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal to reduce the ratings for OSA and COPD with asthma and granuloma of the lung was denied, as well as his attempt to add a claim for service connection for aphasia secondary to TBI. The appeals were dismissed due to untimeliness.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requests an addendum opinion from a pulmonologist or clinician with appropriate expertise to determine if the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to his VA conceded TERA exposure, including exposure to TCDD, jet fuel and engine exhaust, hazardous chemicals, lead, vehicle engine exhaust fumes, chemical vapors, oily/hazardous waste, chemical solvents, and compressed gases.
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