The Board has determined that the Veteran's emphysema is related to service, including exposure during his time in Southwest Asia. The decision grants direct service connection for this condition.
The deciding factor: The onset of the Veteran's respiratory disability occurred during service and was shortly after his period of service in Southwest Asia, making it more likely than not that the disability was incurred in service or related to hazardous environmental exposure during service in Southwest Asia.
- Claimed conditions
- emphysema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 10, 2023
- Citation
- 23037897
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 23037897.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lung condition, including pneumonia residuals, COPD, and emphysema, is remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service. The appeal is reopened based on new evidence.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal seeking readjudication of the previously denied claim for PTSD and multiple other conditions is dismissed due to a procedural defect. The Veteran's authorized representative at the time the appeal was submitted did not have the authority to file the appeal.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, emphysema, and prostate cancer as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including COPD with emphysema (claimed as lung condition due to exposure of asbestos due to MOS), is remanded. The VA will provide an examination and obtain medical opinions regarding whether any diagnosed respiratory conditions are related to military service, particularly given the Veteran's in-service exposure to asbestos.
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