The Board denied service connection for a respiratory condition, including emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's in-service exposure to toxic substances and his current respiratory condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence of an in-service incurrence or aggravation of a respiratory condition, and the medical opinions provided indicated that the Veteran's respiratory condition was less likely than not caused by his active service, including his TERA. The examiner noted that the Veteran had a history of smoking, which is a significant risk factor for COPD.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25015383
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