The Board granted service connection for a respiratory disability, including emphysema, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor based on his in-service toxic exposure risk activity (TERA).
The deciding factor: The third element of service connection was met as there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the nexus between the Veteran's respiratory disability and his in-service TERA.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disability, including emphysema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2025
- Citation
- 25007521
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for complete loss of sense of smell, an acquired psychiatric disability, a low back disability, a respiratory disability, and tinnitus to schedule VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and remanded the other claims for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, a heart disability, and a respiratory disability due to outstanding service treatment records and insufficient medical evidence.
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.