Asbestosis Board decisions

The Veteran's asbestosis was rated at 10 percent since November 29, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed lung and heart disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis, concluding that there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and the development of asbestosis. The decision also noted that any chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found in the Veteran was attributed to tobacco use, which is not compensable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, sinusitis (secondary to asbestosis), and headaches (secondary to hearing loss and tinnitus). The decision was based on a lack of new and material evidence for asbestosis and the absence of a causal link between the claimed conditions and the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's asbestos-related pleural disease was initially rated as noncompensable prior to November 28, 2007. As of that date, the disability is now rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disorder, including asbestosis, was not incurred or aggravated in service. The evidence did not establish a connection between his current respiratory condition and his military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a respiratory disorder, including asbestosis and emphysema. The RO denied the claim due to lack of evidence linking current diagnoses to service or inservice asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis developed as a result of service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple system failure due to infarction of the colon and gallbladder. The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether asbestos exposure during service played a material causal role in his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's inability to attend a VA examination and the need for an addendum from the examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for asbestosis, which was initially granted with a noncompensable (0%) rating. The RO has requested additional medical evidence and will arrange for the Veteran to undergo VA pulmonary examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and exposures, with the majority of issues seeking service connection for various health problems. The Board has determined that a hearing is needed to address these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as secondary to asbestos exposure during military service, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of asbestosis with pleural plaques is related to his in-service exposure to asbestos while on active duty, and service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis), interstitial lung disease (follicular bronchiolitis and connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease) and sleep apnea have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for asbestosis with COPD was denied. The Board found that the February 26, 2003 decision to reopen his claim and assign a rating is correct.

The Veteran's pulmonary disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not show specific lung function test results that would warrant a higher rating under VA's disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, except for a left wrist injury. The Veteran's testimony and medical evidence support her claim of having injured her left wrist during active service in 1991. As this is considered direct service connection due to an injury sustained during service, the Board has granted service connection for the left wrist injury.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to properly deciding the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected pulmonary asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and a new examination.