Asbestosis decisions — 2005

The Board denied a higher rating for asbestosis, finding the current 30 percent rating is appropriate based on pulmonary function test results.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for asbestosis and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The majority of his pulmonary impairment is attributed to nonservice-connected COPD.

The VA has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA pulmonary examination to assess the severity of the veteran's asbestos-related pleural plaques and determining if additional evidence is needed.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have asbestosis and any such condition did not begin during service or due to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's lung disability, including asbestosis, is being remanded for additional development to clarify the nature and etiology of the condition.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected restrictive lung disease due to asbestosis was denied because he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without showing good cause.

The Board found that the appellant does not have asbestosis and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently suffer from asbestosis and denied his claim of service connection for asbestosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disability and to reopen his claim of removal of the left testicle, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have asbestosis or chronic fatigue syndrome due to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, in and of themselves, do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is less than total.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the veteran's asbestosis warrants a 30 percent disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed an asbestos-related pleural disease as a consequence of his service in the United States Navy, and this condition is granted for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his asbestosis, currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence showed that the veteran had symptoms of shortness of breath and a productive cough, with pulmonary function tests showing FVC greater than 64% predicted and DLCO greater than 55% predicted.

The Board found that the veteran's current lung disease did not begin during or as a result of his military service, including exposure to asbestos. The evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's asbestosis is related to his time in the Navy.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depression and a pulmonary disorder due to asbestos exposure, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service event or chronic disability. The claimant is not entitled to the benefit of the doubt as he did not provide sufficient medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.