Asbestosis decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis. The decision on the issue of bilateral hearing loss is pending due to a need for further development.

The Veteran's asbestos-related calcified plaque disease of the lungs with COPD was manifested by pre-bronchodilator FVC, FEV-1 and DLCO values within the range for a 10 percent evaluation. The most recent VA examination in July 2012 showed post-bronchodilator FVC at 111% predicted, FEV-1 at 104% predicted, FEV-1/FVC ratio of 72%, and DLCO at 84%. These values do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a pulmonary disability claimed as asbestosis. The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran has a current diagnosis of asbestosis or other asbestos-related disorder and whether it was incurred in active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory or lung disorder, including asbestosis and emphysema, due to exposure to asbestos. The evidence does not support an etiological link between these conditions and active service.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current respiratory disability, including asbestosis. The Board also determined that any current arthritis is not causally related to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's asbestosis, which was incurred due to his in-service asbestos exposure, contributed substantially and materially to his death from non-small cell lung cancer. The cause of death is therefore service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and a pulmonary/respiratory examination to determine if the Veteran's asbestosis is related to military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lung disabilities, including asbestosis and COPD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examination did not find evidence of asbestos-related lung disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that resulted in such.

The Board found no evidence of a kidney disorder or asbestosis in service, and the Veteran's testimony regarding these conditions is not credible.,There is no competent medical evidence linking current asbestosis to service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disease, including COPD and emphysema, was not incurred in or related to military service. The residuals of a broken third metatarsal of the right foot are also denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for COPD, including as caused by cold weather exposure during his active duty in Korea. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed pulmonary disability, including asbestosis, did not have its onset in service or is etiologically related to any incident, disease, or asbestos exposure during his active service.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding his presumed in-service asbestos exposure. The claim will be remanded for further consideration.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including a review of the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and a CT scan result. The Veteran will need to provide further evidence or clarification regarding his lung disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further review of his medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected pulmonary asbestosis is remanded due to the need for a current VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for asbestos related pleural disease is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence that has not yet been considered by the RO.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis claimed as secondary to asbestos exposure during service. The case is being remanded for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's asbestosis is related to exposure in service. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.