Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disability, including COPD and emphysema, due to an inadequate VA examination that failed to consider the Veteran's in-service respiratory symptoms and burn pit exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's findings were deemed inadequate as they did not properly account for the Veteran's in-service respiratory symptoms and burn pit exposure during service.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25091084
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