The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's in-service exposure to asbestos is at least as likely as not related to his current condition. The decision also includes a grant of service connection for emphysema and interstitial lung disease, though this was broadened from the original claim.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence supported a finding that the Veteran's asbestosis was caused by in-service asbestos exposure, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The decision also noted that the Veteran had not been evaluated by a pulmonologist and had smoked cigarettes for decades, which were factors considered against service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- asbestosis, emphysema, interstitial lung disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2021
- Citation
- 21028746
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 21028746.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lung condition, including pneumonia residuals, COPD, and emphysema, is remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service. The appeal is reopened based on new evidence.
- 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.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking readjudication of the previously denied claim for PTSD and multiple other conditions is dismissed due to a procedural defect. The Veteran's authorized representative at the time the appeal was submitted did not have the authority to file the appeal.
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