The Veteran's COPD resulted in post-bronchodilator pulmonary function test (PFT) scores no worse than FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent; or DLCO (SB) of 40 to 55 percent predicted. The Veteran's COPD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of the 60 percent assigned.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's COPD did not result in FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent; DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation); cor pulmonale (right heart failure); right ventricular hypertrophy; pulmonary hypertension (shown by echo or cardiac catheterization); episode(s) of acute respiratory failure; or the requirement for outpatient oxygen therapy as contemplated by a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2023
- Citation
- 23008929
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 23008929.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's COPD was evaluated and found not to meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating based on the provided pulmonary function test results. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of service connection or exposure basis that would warrant a higher rating.
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