The Board remands the claim for a respiratory disability, to include chronic cough and shortness of breath, due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the form of failure to obtain a medical opinion that discusses the full extent of the appellant's condition.

The deciding factor: A remand is required because the previous examination did not render a diagnosis, ignored relevant diagnostic testing, failed to provide an opinion on toxic exposure risk activities (TERA), and disregarded subjective reports of symptoms.

Claimed conditions

chronic cough, shortness of breath

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

Burn pits / airborne hazards

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 7, 2025

Citation

A25011713

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