Asbestosis decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for sleep apnea, asbestosis, right ear hearing loss, or either knee strain. The claims are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and COPD, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination of the veteran's asbestosis.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for asbestosis is pending.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected asbestosis, finding that the evidence does not support such a rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including asbestosis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically a high-resolution CT scan of the chest and a VA pulmonary examination.