Asbestosis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asbestosis and bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance or homebound status were denied. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations for his hearing loss, tinnitus, respiratory disorder, and skin disorder claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected asbestosis/pleural plaques in the lungs is being remanded due to concerns about the adequacy of the most recent VA examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's asbestosis and acquired psychiatric disability are service-connected due to their relationship with his service-connected asbestosis. The subpleural pulmonary nodules are not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for asbestosis and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure and medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for assignment of a TDIU, and given his physical and psychological limitations, he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for a compensable evaluation for asbestosis pleural disease before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current asbestos-related lung disorder and therefore, service connection for asbestosis and mesothelioma is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a neck disability, but denied it as new and material evidence was not received. The Veteran's current diagnoses of asbestosis/pleural plaques are related to his in-service asbestos exposure.,Service connection is granted for asbestosis with pleural plaques due to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's asbestosis with pleural plaques has been manifested by FVC and DLCO results above 80 percent predicted, thus not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for bronchial asthma with pleural calcifications is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and verifying his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis is related to his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to a lack of an examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and testing related to his service-connected interstitial lung disease.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's chronic left lower pleuropulmonary fibrosis with asbestosis resulted in forced vital capacity (FVC) of no less than 76%, without DLCO (SB) less than 66%, maximum exercise capacity of less than 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, cor pulmonale, or pulmonary hypertension, and does not require outpatient oxygen therapy as of September 15, 2015. The Veteran is now rated at a 10% disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's asbestosis was evaluated at a 30 percent rating since February 27, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in his disability rating beyond this level.