The Veteran's lung disability, including COPD and fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, is granted as service-connected due to exposure in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. The Board also found that his pulmonary embolism may be related to service but requires further examination for a definitive opinion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lung disability qualifies under the PACT Act and presumptive service connection based on undiagnosed illness or MUCMI due to exposure in Southwest Asia.
- Claimed conditions
- Lung Disability (COPD and Fibrotic Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia), Pulmonary Embolism, Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22057201
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 22057201.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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