Asbestosis decisions — 2007

The Board found no competent medical evidence establishing a link between the veteran's service and his current COPD with interstitial fibrosis (asbestosis) or CAD. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to decide whether the veteran's current respiratory/pulmonary disabilities are related to service, including likely asbestos exposure.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have an asbestos-related disease, including asbestosis and pneumoconiosis, incurred during his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have asbestosis, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of secondary service connection for hypertension and heart disease are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding the veteran's respiratory disorders and their relation to service.

The veteran seeks service connection for bilateral interstitial fibrosis due to asbestos exposure. The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary in the case and has also noted the need to obtain additional service medical records.

The veteran's GERD with duodenitis and hepatitis C is rated at 60 percent, effective March 30, 2001. The veteran's bronchitis secondary to asbestos exposure is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a left eye disorder has been granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his conditions to active service.