The Board found that the veteran's service-connected asbestos-related pleural disease did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the evidence showing no significant impairment in lung function.
The deciding factor: Pulmonary function tests consistently showed FVC and DLCO (SB) within normal limits or above, failing to demonstrate the required levels of impairment under applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- asbestos-related pleural disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2005
- Citation
- 0522659
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0522659.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's respiratory condition, including asbestosis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary asbestosis, asbestos-related pleural disease, asbestos-related pleural plaque, pneumoconiosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, is granted for accrued benefits purposes due to the probative evidence showing exposure to asbestos during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lung condition, including asbestos-related pleural disease, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder secondary to asbestos exposure due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The case will be returned for further evaluation.
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