The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding asbestos exposure during service, and a supplemental medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability is related to such exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was not enough information in the record to conclusively determine whether the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during service based on his MOS as an automotive paint and body repairman. The decision now requires a supplemental medical opinion to consider this issue.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disability
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20056942
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 20056942.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, restless leg syndrome, and respiratory disability due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims for service connection for a skin condition, traumatic brain injury, a respiratory disability, bilateral shin splints, and bilateral flatfoot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a respiratory disability, including emphysema and mucus with coughing due to an error in providing notice. The AOJ is instructed to provide the Veteran with notice of his right to a hearing.
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