Asbestosis Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for respiratory conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD and asbestosis, is not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, to include asbestosis, is denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against his claim.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a lung disorder, claimed as asbestosis and sleep apnea, to include as due to in-service exposure of asbestos, for further development.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for an increased rating for asbestosis, and the Board has no jurisdiction to consider this issue further.

The Board has granted service connection for pulmonary aspergilloma, COPD, and lung cancer due to in-service exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust/particulate matter. The right knee condition secondary to a service-connected left knee total replacement is dismissed.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's pulmonary conditions based on his in-service exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust/particulate matter.

The Board has denied an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and has ordered a remand for further examination to determine the presence of current diagnoses of asbestosis, mesothelioma, and gastrointestinal residuals from a in-service stabbing. The pleural plaques claim is also remanded.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for asbestosis (claimed as a skin rash) because it was rendered moot by the grant of service connection for atopic dermatitis in a February 2021 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for pneumoconiosis and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant requested withdrawal of both issues.

The Veteran's pleural plaque (asbestosis) disability is rated at a noncompensable level. The Board has found that the current pulmonary function tests are inconsistent and requires an addendum opinion to determine which test most accurately reflects his respiratory disability.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disability, claimed as asbestosis of the lungs, finding no diagnosis of asbestosis and insufficient evidence linking any lung condition to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and aid and attendance, due to inconclusive evidence regarding his respiratory conditions and need for regular aid and attendance. The case will be returned to VA for further development.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic coughing as due to asbestos exposure because no NOD was received within the appeal period.

The Veteran's lung disability, including asbestosis and related interstitial fibrosis, was initially rated noncompensable from January 22, 2009. The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to assess current severity of his respiratory disorder due to reported worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to incomplete National Guard records and need for a medical opinion on the cause of death.

A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the aggregate effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted effective November 20, 2014. The Veteran's hypertension and pulmonary condition possibly related to asbestos exposure are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for asbestosis and COPD. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service, including considering conflicting evidence from other sources.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical records, including from SSA. The Veteran's right knee condition is also being reviewed by a VA clinician.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and TDIU due to asbestosis and COPD, with a focus on resolving conflicting opinions regarding causation of COPD prior to August 13, 2018.

The Board has denied service connection for asbestosis and remanded the issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder (claimed due to exposure to asbestos) and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities (secondary to a cervical spine disorder).