Asbestosis Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting VA examination findings regarding the severity of the Veteran's asbestosis. The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected asbestosis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete development of evidence, including verification of stressors and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for lung condition with nodules (claimed as lung cancer due to asbestos and hazardous materials exposure) was dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a respiratory disorder other than COPD and a skin disability due to Gulf War exposure was denied. The Board found no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected pleural and pulmonary asbestosis is rated at 30 percent, effective prior to December 14, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cognitive impairment disorder was denied as no new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as no new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied as no new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as no new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis was denied as no new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia was denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability, claimed as the result of asbestos exposure during active service is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA will obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and COPD, finding no current diagnosis of asbestosis and insufficient evidence linking COPD to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for asbestosis is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's lung disability, diagnosed as pulmonary fibrosis, is not related to his service and the Board finds that it was not caused by or aggravated by any in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory condition, variously diagnosed as asbestosis and asbestos pleural disease, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether it was caused by in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's asbestosis has worsened since his last VA examination, and a new evaluation is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension and tinnitus are all granted as service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability, a respiratory condition including asthma and sleep apnea, and a back condition. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's asbestosis with COPD was rated at 60 percent prior to December 12, 2019. As of that date, the rating was increased to 100 percent.,Prior to December 12, 2019, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating based on his FEV-1/FVC ratio.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lung condition, characterized as pleural effusions, is related to service, including asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating for asbestos-related lung disease, including emphysema and asthma, has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected spot on the right lung due to asbestos exposure is not compensable, and his COPD and emphysema are unrelated. The TDIU rating prior to May 6, 2019, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for COPD, hypertension, and asbestosis due to new evidence received since the last final decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's lay statements of continued shortness of breath since active duty service.