The Board denied an increased rating for asbestosis and did not address the claims to reopen service connection for frostbite of the feet, residuals of hemorrhoidectomy, and pilonidal sinus.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the veteran's asbestosis was manifested by Forced Vital Capacity between 65-74 percent of predicted after administration of a bronchodilator from January 31, 1997 through March 31, 1998; less than 50 percent of predicted post-bronchodilator between April 1, 1998 and August 16, 2000; and between 50-64 percent of predicted with no showing of other criteria for a higher rating from August 16, 2000.
- Claimed conditions
- asbestosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 2, 2003
- Citation
- 0308392
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0308392.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a lung condition, to include COPD, asbestosis, and bilateral pleural plaques due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his current lung condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to address service connection and rating issues.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's exposure to asbestos in service caused his condition.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for asbestosis and remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An increased rating to 60 percent was granted effective April 10, 2025.
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