The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for interstitial lung disease (asbestosis) with pleural plaques and service connection for a sleep disorder, to include obstructive sleep apnea. The VA is instructed to obtain any relevant treatment records and arrange for examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient information on which to determine the extent of the Veteran's service-connected interstitial lung disease with pleural plaques, and that a new examination is needed. The Board also noted that the relationship between the Veteran's sleep disorder and his service-connected interstitial lung disease with pleural plaques needs further clarification.
- Claimed conditions
- Interstitial Lung Disease (Asbestosis), Sleep Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18156668
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 18156668.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD and Sleep Disorder due to insufficient development, including a lack of VA examinations or medical opinions assessing these conditions. The RO must provide such assessments.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need additional medical opinions regarding the onset of the Veteran's sleep disability during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a sleep disorder, to include obstructive sleep apnea, due to insufficient evidence and the need for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, head injury, and arthritis to ensure that VA has met its duty to assist by obtaining outstanding treatment records and providing an adequate medical opinion.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.