Asbestosis Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and asbestosis. The evidence does not support a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a lung disorder, including COPD and asbestosis, due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA pulmonary examination, which must include both Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO).

The Board has determined that there is no current medical diagnosis of asbestosis related lung disability, and thus the claim for service connection cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, asthma, and COPD due to asbestos exposure. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or establish their relationship to active service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis or a restrictive lung disease that is related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, asbestosis, back disorder, and hypertension. Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure. Right ear hearing loss, asbestosis, and back disorder are not related to military service. Hypertension was diagnosed during the appeal period.

The VA determined that the veteran's asbestosis is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary condition, claimed as COPD and/or asbestosis, related to asbestos exposure during service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for benign prostate hypertrophy is also addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, scheduling a medical examination, and readjudicating the claim with consideration of all applicable laws and regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral foot disability was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, and denied reopening of his claim for asbestosis. The veteran's acne vulgaris is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's service connection claims for asbestosis and right hallux valgus. The RO will now consider these claims on their merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a change in hearing judge and will schedule a travel board hearing for the veteran.

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for asbestosis from September 22, 2005 to September 7, 2006 and a 60 percent evaluation beginning September 7, 2006. The veteran's respiratory limitations were attributed to his service-connected asbestosis.

The VA has granted a noncompensable disability rating for the veteran's asbestosis, effective September 28, 2004. The veteran was previously assigned a 30 percent disability rating from March 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fatal lung cancer was caused by his in-service asbestos exposure, and service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims for service connection and burial benefits. The claims will be remanded for proper VCAA notice, evidence of asbestos exposure during service, and a VA physician's opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's death and his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have viral meningitis, encephalitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic disability involving memory loss, a chronic disability involving muscle weakness, or asbestosis. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and an increased rating for his gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus.

The veteran's initial evaluations for asbestosis prior to October 4, 2006 were denied. From October 4, 2006, the evaluation was increased to 30 percent but remains denied.