Asbestosis Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis and COPD, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or post-service exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting radiological findings regarding a diagnosis of asbestosis and to determine whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran currently has or had an asbestos-related lung disease during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in a previous opinion regarding service connection for bronchitis. The Veteran's lay statements about symptoms during service need to be addressed by a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for asbestosis and TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestos-related lung disease, which was incurred in service, contributed to his death and is therefore service-connected for the cause of his death.

The appeal is dismissed as to the claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a deviated septum. The appeals are remanded for further development on the remaining issues.

The Board denied service connection for esophageal cancer and a respiratory disorder other than asbestosis and COPD, both claimed as due to exposure to asbestos. The issues of service connection for hemorrhagic stroke and SMC were remanded.,The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that his esophageal cancer or respiratory disorders were related to his in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected asbestosis is remanded due to the lack of compliance with the August 2022 Board remand directives, specifically regarding a VA respiratory examination and pulmonary function testing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including asbestosis and/or COPD, is being remanded due to the need for further development. The low back disability has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development, including obtaining an examination and opinion regarding hypertension.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent effective February 3, 2015. The Veteran's dermatitis is rated at 10 percent effective September 18, 2014. The Veteran's asbestosis remains noncompensable.

The Veteran was granted an effective date of December 3, 2010 for service connection of asbestosis. However, the effective date was later changed to July 22, 2016 due to additional medical evidence.,Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of asbestosis is remanded due to the submission of new evidence that tends to prove or disprove a matter at issue, warranting readjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's asbestosis and its connection to service. The VA will obtain additional records, including from Workers Compensation, Social Security Administration, and private care providers. A VA examination will be scheduled for the Veteran to determine if his current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for TBI, PTSD, asbestosis, acquired respiratory conditions, and pleural plaques. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired respiratory conditions is also being remanded.

The Veteran's asbestosis is granted due to in-service asbestos exposure.,Service connection for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, but has remanded the issue due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between current asthma and COPD and in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of herbicide exposure. The claims for vertigo, asbestosis, diabetes mellitus, type II, and arthritis are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and neuropathy of all four extremities, as well as other conditions like vocal cord cancer residuals and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU from December 1, 2014, to May 29, 2020, July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020.