Asbestosis decisions — 2006

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis and denied a compensable rating for bilateral pterygia.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current asbestosis and there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The veteran's claim for higher ratings for asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for further development of his medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asbestos-related lung disease is service-connected as it was caused by exposure to asbestos during his military service.

The veteran's current respiratory disorder, diagnosed as COPD and asbestosis, is related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis or any other asbestos-related disease and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lung disability, including as a result of asbestos exposure during his military service, is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to asbestos exposure in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for service-connected residuals of post-operative hemorrhoidectomy and fistula in ano, with anal stenosis, effective June 2003. The veteran's lung cancer due to asbestos exposure is rated noncompensable.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have asbestosis or hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and denied his claims of service connection. The claim for a higher rating for wrist disability was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's asbestosis does not warrant a compensable rating, and thus denied his claim for an increased evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis and denied both his claim for service connection for asbestosis and his request for an increased rating for scars of the left upper extremity.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis was denied because there is no current diagnosis of pulmonary asbestosis and the evidence does not establish a relationship between the veteran's claimed asbestos exposure during active service and his current disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an asbestos-related lung disorder, to include COPD. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion and is referred back to the RO.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and found a 10 percent disability rating was warranted for pleural thickening, both lungs, residual asbestos exposure prior to February 26, 2004. The Board also found no higher ratings were warranted thereafter.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis and granted a higher rating of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, effective from July 9, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asbestosis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis. The claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a thorough examination of his asbestosis. The issues of increased rating for asbestosis and TDIU are also inextricably intertwined.