The Veteran's asbestos-related pleural plaques were granted a 60 percent rating from September 15, 2015 to February 5, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not meet criteria for higher ratings and remanded issues related to TDIU prior to February 17, 2011.
The deciding factor: The VA examination results showed FVC of 59 percent and DLCO of 54 percent, indicating a moderately severe restriction with interstitial inflammation. The Veteran's disability did not require oxygen therapy or other medications.
- Claimed conditions
- Asbestos-related pleural plaques
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19101177
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.
- Denied
The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's asbestos-related pleural plaques prior to March 1, 2005, and a rating in excess of 10 percent from that date.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.