Asbestosis decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary asbestosis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The VA determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder is not related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos. The Board concurs with this determination based on the lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's lung disorders, including COPD and asbestosis, are being remanded for additional development to determine their etiology.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to clarify the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected asbestosis, including whether his hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension are related to this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis and asbestos-related bilateral interstitial fibrosis are related to his service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's asbestosis is due to in-service asbestos exposure and grants service connection for asbestosis.

The Board has ordered additional development due to missing records from the Veteran's final hospitalization. The issues of service connection for asbestosis and DIC benefits based on cause of death are being remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining pertinent medical records and providing an appropriate VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran was not unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disability, calcifying pleural plaque formation.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at a local VA office.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of asbestosis or an asbestos exposure-related disease, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis should be remanded due to incomplete medical records and a need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to confusion regarding representation and notification of the Statement of the Case. The Veteran's attorney needs more time to respond or provide additional evidence, and any relevant VA treatment records should be associated with the claims file.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to obtain medical records and information related to a potential asbestos-related lawsuit.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, which includes claustrophobia and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The lung disorder claim remains pending as the evidence is not sufficient to establish a direct relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have asbestosis and his COPD is not related to service or a service-connected condition.,Further, the Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim requires additional examination due to inadequate reasoning provided in the August 2009 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to audio malfunctions during a previous hearing. A new video conference hearing will be scheduled for the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestos-related pleural disease is related to his in-service exposure to asbestos and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a respiratory examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected reactive airway disease and asbestosis. The AOJ should also determine whether service in 1980 was active duty or active duty for training.