Asbestosis Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis does not warrant a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent, given the predominant symptomatology is due to non-service-connected conditions and the DLCO score remains at 79%.

The Veteran's asbestosis was rated at a 60 percent rating from October 17, 2011 to September 24, 2012. Prior to this date, the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pulmonary fibrosis has been granted. From November 16, 2010 through February 13, 2012, the Veteran was awarded a 20% rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for manifestations of an undiagnosed illness and asbestosis (lung condition) have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lung disability is not due to a severe burn injury, including as an inhalation injury. Therefore, the special home adaptation grant claim must be denied.

The Veteran's asbestosis has been rated at a noncompensable level, but the Board found that his current dyspnea is related to hypoxemia rather than asbestos exposure. The rating of 10 percent was granted based on post-bronchodilator results showing a Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) between 66 and 80 percent of predicted value.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for asbestosis prior to November 6, 2015 was denied. A subsequent increase in the disability rating to 30 percent effective November 6, 2015, but no higher, was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis has been attributed to his respiratory-related symptoms, including COPD and bronchitis. The Board is granting a 100% rating for asbestosis based on the severity of his respiratory condition.

The Veteran's asbestos-related lung disease has not resulted in breathing restrictions for which he would be entitled to a compensable rating during the period on appeal.,The RO's decision to reduce the evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected asbestos-related lung disease was supported by the evidence of record at the time of the reduction, and it was made in compliance with applicable due process laws and regulations.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his period of active duty service. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis for hearing loss, lung condition (asbestos exposure), and heart condition (herbicide exposure). However, additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lung disorders, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and asbestosis, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's claims for dizzy spells, right anterior cruciate ligament condition, PTSD, swelling and pain around ear, bilateral foot pain and fungus, and asbestosis have all been denied due to a lack of current disability diagnoses.,There is no evidence of any service-connected conditions or stressors that would support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric condition and thus cannot establish service connection. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current condition. The issues of asthma and COPD due to asbestos exposure are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and residuals of total laryngectomy, status post laryngeal cancer. The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service or any other etiology.

The Veteran's lung disorder and asbestosis were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiner found no evidence of asbestosis on the Veteran's current CT scan.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disability, including asbestosis, was not caused by service or due to asbestos exposure. The preexisting asthma is considered aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability, asbestosis, is at least as likely as not related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.