Asbestosis Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination for COPD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal myocardial infarction was caused by his service-connected COPD, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed asthma, which is currently claimed as a respiratory condition. The claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis is being remanded due to outstanding medical records and exposure information. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the nature of his lung disability and its relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected bronchogenic carcinoma, which was aggravated by his civilian asbestos exposure. The cause of death is therefore service connected.

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable disability rating for pleural plaques, claimed as asbestos-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is being remanded due to unclear diagnoses and the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestos exposure/asbestosis and a back disorder were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development regarding the Veteran's claimed asbestos exposure during service, and a new narrative response is required from the Department of the Air Force.

The Veteran's lung disorder claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. The upper respiratory disorder claim requires further development due to the preexisting condition noted at entry.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise on whether the Veteran's currently manifest asbestosis and asbestos-related pleural disease are due to in-service asbestos exposure or post-service exposure. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a pulmonary disorder, asbestosis, due to in-service asbestos exposure. The case is REMANDED for further examination and development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their clinical onset in active service, and neither may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board also found no causal connection between the Veteran's asbestosis and his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory complaints are not related to active military service or events therein, including any asbestos exposure. The preponderance of evidence is against his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's asbestosis with calcified pleural plaque bilaterally has been rated based on the severity of his pulmonary function tests (PFT) and chest X-rays. For the portion of the appeal period from February 10, 2005 to August 6, 2008, he was granted a noncompensable evaluation. From August 7, 2008 to May 31, 2010, he received a 60 percent evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for restrictive lung disease/asbestosis and coronary artery disease (claimed as heart problems) due to asbestos exposure. The evidence now shows that the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during his military service, leading to a diagnosis of asbestosis. As such, the Board finds in favor of granting service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the Veteran's PTSD had its onset in service. The Veteran is also granted an initial compensable disability evaluation for his respiratory condition associated with asbestosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disorder is not related to his active duty service, including due to asbestos exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disorder, claimed as asbestosis, is related to in-service asbestos exposure. The case is being remanded for a VA examination and further review.

The Veteran's current COPD was not incurred during service or until many years after discharge and is not etiologically related to active duty service or any incident thereof, but rather is due to his smoking.