Asbestosis decisions — 2025

The appeal for a higher disability rating was dismissed because the January 2024 rating decision implemented a previous Board decision and is not appealable. The Veteran will receive a separate decision regarding their September 2024 VA Form 10182.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's cause of death is related to asbestos exposure during service. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with the issue of additional burial benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence to support a link between his claimed conditions and military service.

The VA denied service connection for asbestos exposure, rhinitis, and sinusitis. The claims for bilateral pes planus and muscle pain were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of respiratory disabilities, including COPD and asbestosis. The Board found substantial compliance with some directives but not others, and conceded the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during active service.

The Veteran's asbestosis-related pulmonary fibrosis with OSA is granted a staged initial rating of 50 percent from March 13, 2019. The issue of higher staged initial ratings and entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 10, 2018, are remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for asbestosis prior to November 26, 2019 was denied. The claim for a 100 percent rating since November 26, 2019 was granted. The issue of an effective date prior to August 17, 2015, for TDIU is remanded.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for asbestos-related calcified pleural plaques was partially granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned.

The veteran's claim for asbestosis with COPD was granted an effective date of July 21, 2021. The request for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate was denied.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a respiratory condition other than asbestosis, including COPD. The Board will obtain additional medical records to assist in deciding the claim.

Service connection for asbestosis is denied. Other claims are remanded for further review.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea but remanded decisions on asbestosis, diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The veteran was granted a 100% disability rating for interstitial lung disease and service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both legs. The claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was dismissed as moot, and the claim for exudative macular degeneration was remanded.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection for respiratory and heart disabilities to obtain adequate medical opinions.