The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, finding that there is no causal or etiological relationship between his current condition and any disease, injury, or incident during service. The Board considered all relevant evidence, including VA and private treatment records, as well as the Veteran's reported in-service exposure to various irritants, but concluded that smoking was the significant risk factor for developing COPD.
The deciding factor: The November 2022 VA examiner found that the Veteran's pulmonary disorder is less likely than not caused by his reported in-service exposure to various irritants while working as a machinist mate in the engine room aboard naval vessels, and concluded that smoking was the significant risk factor for developing COPD.
- Claimed conditions
- Pulmonary disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 12, 2024
- Citation
- 24007327
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 24007327.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for a heart disorder, Parkinson's disease, pulmonary disorder, skin rash, and posttraumatic stress disorder are dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's pulmonary disorder and its relation to service, particularly asbestos exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a neurological disorder, specifically restless leg syndrome (RLS). The pulmonary disorder claim is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder and a sleep disorder due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing addendum opinions on the nature of the Veteran's symptoms and disorders.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.