Asbestosis decisions — 2004

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's claimed bilateral pes planus, a back disorder, and residuals of asbestos exposure. The claims were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to determine if service connection is warranted for a low back disability and an asbestos-related lung condition.

The Board has received notification that the appellant wishes to withdraw their appeal, leading to its dismissal.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for chronic bibasilar bronchitis, atelectasis with scarring of right lung and asbestosis was denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date is warranted based on the facts in this case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service medical records and outstanding post-service treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of any respiratory disorder found and whether service connection should be granted.

The Board has determined that additional VA and private medical records are needed to fully evaluate the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asthma, emphysema, COPD, and asbestosis. The RO is also instructed to verify the identity of the veteran and obtain any relevant service personnel and medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a currently diagnosed respiratory disorder, tuberculosis, residuals of asbestos exposure, viral conjunctivitis, or left Achilles tendonitis. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of asbestosis, pulmonary condition due to lead-based paint, hypertension, or type II diabetes mellitus in service records. The veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence of a current asbestos-related pulmonary disease or any link between the veteran's period of active service and his current condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's asbestosis does not warrant a compensable rating based on his medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure and residuals of pneumonia, finding no current chronic disability resulting from these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current asbestosis disability is related to service exposure, specifically in and after service.

The veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for asbestosis was granted, but the RO found that his current level of disability did not warrant any compensation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney/bladder disorder, asbestosis, and thyroid disease. The denial is based on a lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board found no medical evidence relating the veteran's current lung disorder to service, including asbestosis exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with VCAA notice requirements. The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for a right thumb disorder are pending.

The Board has determined that the case is not ready for final decision and requires additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's asbestosis was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asbestosis is a result of exposure to asbestos during service and grants service connection for this condition.