The Board finds that the Veteran's pleural plaques do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The evidence does not show forced vital capacity (FVC) of 75 to 80 percent of predicted value, or diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide by the single breath method (DLCO (SB)) of 66 to 80 percent of predicted value.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pleural plaques have been shown to not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 6833, as his forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity are both above the threshold values required for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- pleural plaques
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2016
- Citation
- 1643913
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 1643913.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current level of severity for COPD with asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis and plaques. The Veteran was previously rated at 30 percent but may be entitled to a higher rating.
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