Granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on the evidence being at least evenly balanced as to whether it is related to toxic exposures during active duty.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's COPD is at least as likely as not caused by in-service toxic exposure risk activities, including asbestos and jet fumes, despite a history of smoking.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2025
- Citation
- A25094803
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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.