The Veteran's service-connected interstitial lung disease with asbestos-induced pleural plaques is manifested by a mild disability without significant effect on his total diffusing capacity, and the VA examiners have determined that this condition is primarily due to nonservice-connected emphysema.
The deciding factor: VA examiners opined that the Veteran's service-connected interstitial lung disease with asbestos-induced pleural plaques was predominantly responsible for his limitation of pulmonary function, while his emphysema was the primary cause of his abnormal PFT results and respiratory impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD), Asbestosis-induced pleural plaques, Emphysema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 15, 2021
- Citation
- 21063708
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 21063708.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease (IHD), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement as secondary to IHD, hypertensive heart disease, and emphysema. The COPD claim was denied.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for COPD and emphysema as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for mantle cell lymphoma, emphysema, diabetes mellitus, Type II, bilateral foot neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and antisocial personality disorder.
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