Asbestosis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's asbestosis and coronary artery disease are granted service connection, with the former being linked to exposure in Vietnam and the latter presumed due to herbicide exposure.

Service connection is granted for asbestos-related restrictive lung disease and a 50 percent rating is assigned for PTSD. The hearing loss and TDIU claims are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis, finding that his condition was not related to his active duty service and that there was no causal relationship between his in-service duties and his post-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for restrictive lung disease (claimed as asbestosis) is denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for restrictive lung disease (claimed as asbestosis) is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for asbestos, hysterectomy with infertility, and hearing loss have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The claim for service connection for hysterectomy is reopened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not granted, and these issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease with coronary atherosclerosis due to asbestos exposure, and the issues of rating for PTSD and special monthly pension are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the severity of his condition and its relation to pulmonary hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were dismissed due to the death of the appellant, his surviving spouse.

The Veteran's knee and shoulder disabilities were not shown to be related to service, and his respiratory disorder is unrelated to service. Service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis may be related to service exposure, and thus remands for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's asbestosis was rated at 60 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 6833. The evidence showed FVC readings between 72 and 76 percent predicted, and no requirement for oxygen therapy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's asbestosis is related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his claim for service connection for lung disabilities, including COPD and asbestosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, right ear hearing loss disability, asbestosis, and respiratory disorder (asthma with possible chronic bronchitis) are remanded due to the need for clarification of certain medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability.

The Board denied a compensable rating for lung plaque consistent with asbestos exposure, currently rated at zero percent.

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

Service connection is denied for asbestosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and PTSD. The Veteran's asbestosis is not related to service exposure, while his chronic fatigue syndrome does not meet VA criteria. His PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating prior to June 9, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and cancer of the larynx have been dismissed due to his death.