Asbestosis decisions — 2009

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in active service, and asbestosis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis, finding that there was no evidence of asbestosis due to asbestos exposure in service.

The appeal was remanded for the veteran to be afforded a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at his local RO.

The veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a left arm and shoulder disorder, a right ankle disorder and foot sprain, and right arm radiculopathy were denied. A higher initial rating for the service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was also denied.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a right knee disability, right ankle disability, left knee disability (secondary to right knee), and lung scarring due to exposure to asbestos.

The veteran's claims for service connection for asbestos related lung disease, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for diabetes mellitus, and a total rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's asbestosis was rated at 100 percent, and service connection for a heart disorder/hypertension was denied.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis and secondary service connection for depression.

The veteran's current asbestosis was incurred in his active duty service due to exposure to asbestos while working as an automotive repairman.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for keloids of the anterior chest, but denied service connection for skin cancer of the chest and a lung disability due to asbestos exposure.