The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for dyspnea on exertion was denied as his FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC ratio did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6602.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right 5th metacarpal with tenosynovitis residuals post impaction fracture was denied as his PFT results were within the range of noncompensable disability ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran had more than one attack per week or required daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids, which are criteria for a higher rating under DC 6602.,The PFT results were within the range of noncompensable disability ratings and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DCs 5216-5230.
- Claimed conditions
- dyspnea on exertion, right 5th metacarpal with tenosynovitis residuals post impaction fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26030588
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 A26030588.
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 Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for dyspnea on exertion is being remanded due to an incomplete VA examination report. The RO needs to schedule the Veteran for a new VA respiratory examination that includes pulmonary function testing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for dyspnea on exertion to obtain a more comprehensive medical opinion addressing toxic exposure risks and potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's back disability and service connection for cervical spine and chronic sinusitis disabilities, while denying increased ratings for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, migraines, and dyspnea on exertion.
- Granted
The Board grants service connection for a respiratory disability, diagnosed as dyspnea on exertion, based on the evidence being in relative equipoise and a competent probative nexus opinion linking the Veteran's respiratory disability to his toxic exposure during service.
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