The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis does not warrant a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent, given the predominant symptomatology is due to non-service-connected conditions and the DLCO score remains at 79%.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's breathing difficulty and symptoms are primarily due to non-service-connected disabilities (COPD and OSA), not his service-connected asbestosis. The Board found that the DLCO score, which reflects minimal progression from prior results, is the most probative value for evaluating the disability.
- Claimed conditions
- asbestosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1728585
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 1728585.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance from another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's asbestosis disability is rated at 100% from December 2, 2024 to January 16, 2026. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis with pleural plaques and vascular dementia as secondary to asbestosis with pleural plaques due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's asbestosis was granted an increased rating of 10 percent, but no higher. Service connection for sleep apnea was denied.
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