The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and right shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or exposure to environmental hazards. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Act.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's post-service medical records showed she was not diagnosed with respiratory disorder until over 15 years after her separation from active duty, and there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or exposure to environmental hazards. The Board therefore concluded that the claims for service connection were denied.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 20, 2026
- Citation
- 26000718
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 26000718.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The Veteran's skin disorder, respiratory disorder, Crohn's disease, eye disorder, and migraines are all being reviewed again with new medical evaluations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that the evidence submitted tends to disprove a link between his current condition and active service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a respiratory disorder is dismissed. Service connection for right hand palmar nodule and service connection for a right hand scar are granted, but the issue of service connection for a right hand disorder other than service-connected right hand palmar nodule is remanded.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
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