The Board denied an initial compensable rating for asbestosis with pulmonary nodules, finding that the Veteran's FVC and DLCO did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence showed that the Veteran’s pulmonary function tests were above the required levels for a compensable rating, but one test in July 2016 was significantly worse than other results.
- Claimed conditions
- Asbestosis, Pulmonary Nodules
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21002341
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 21002341.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's TBI alone rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is eligible for SMC at the housebound rate due to his single total disability rating with additional disabilities rated at least 60 percent.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is etiologically related to service exposure to herbicide agents, and thus grants service connection for COPD.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, and his service-connected pulmonary nodules are denied. The earlier effective date for Pulmonary Nodules is dismissed, but the claim for Lyme Disease residuals remains pending.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected hearing loss is dismissed. An initial 30 percent disability rating for asbestosis is granted.
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.