Asbestosis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's asbestosis with bilateral calcified pleural plaques has not manifested itself to a compensable degree at any time during the appeal period, and therefore, a rating in excess of 0 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, an inguinal hernia, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed secondary to PTSD) due to insufficient evidence or examination findings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including his claimed asbestosis. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to clarify if he has asbestosis and determine its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration of new evidence, including a VA expert's opinion and the Veteran's recent argument.

The Veteran's asbestos-related pleural plaques are granted as service connected, with the decision based on direct evidence of a current disability and in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA medical records and requests the Veteran to provide them. The claims for service connection will be remanded until these records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a private treatment record from Dr. L.S.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disability, including asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's COPD is not related to his military service or any exposure therein.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all his pending claims, including those for bilateral hearing loss, COPD, and asbestos plaques. As a result, the appeals are dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and Type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to asbestos and herbicide agents, respectively, need further development. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records and verify any potential exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disability including asbestosis, mesothelioma and asthma due to lack of evidence linking the disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for cognitive and psychiatric impairment due to acute lithium toxicity is denied, while his claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for asbestosis is remanded.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death with an effective date of November 14, 2011. The claim was reopened based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected interstitial lung disease with asbestos-induced pleural plaques is found to be manifested by no more than a mild disability without a significant effect on his total lung diffusing capacity. The Board denies entitlement to a compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the identification of new claims. The initial compensable rating for service-connected spot on right lung due to asbestos exposure requires further evaluation, and other issues related to heart disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, stomach disorder, spine and knee problems, and COPD are also raised.

The Board dismissed all reopened claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's asbestosis.

The Board has granted service connection for a lung disorder, manifested by emphysema and COPD, due to chemical exposures during military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's testimony of exposure to chemicals like Difluoromethane, Carbon Tetoride, Trichloroethylene, and asbestos.

The appeal for service connection for asbestosis and whether new and material evidence has been submitted is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for interstitial lung disease (asbestosis) with pleural plaques and service connection for a sleep disorder, to include obstructive sleep apnea. The VA is instructed to obtain any relevant treatment records and arrange for examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's conditions.