The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia, to include COPD is denied as there is no persuasive evidence showing the current condition began during or was aggravated by service.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability is denied due to lack of credible evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for right ankle disability, to include small vessel PAD, and left ankle disability, to include small vessel PAD, are both denied as there is no persuasive evidence showing the conditions began during or were aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs are unavailable due to a fire. The VA examination report concluded that his COPD was less likely than not incurred in or result of in-service injury, event, or illness, noting the absence of objective evidence indicating that his COPD began in service or as residuals of pneumonia during service and the lack of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), left shoulder disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2023
- Citation
- 23039345
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 23039345.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include any mental health disorder raised by the record and has remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left leg, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is denied as service connection is not warranted due to the condition being solely attributed to smoking.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for residuals of gallbladder removal and remanded the other claims due to insufficient evidence.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
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