The Veteran's service connection claims for pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, hypertension, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), and coronary artery disease are all granted. The Board found that the evidence was in approximate balance regarding exposure to herbicides at Fort Drum during service, which likely contributed to the development of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's assertions of herbicide exposure at Fort Drum were supported by his service records, and a VA examiner opined that this exposure likely contributed to the development of the disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, hypertension, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), coronary artery disease
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 22, 2026
- Citation
- A26006294
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 A26006294.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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