Asbestosis decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the RO's decision to grant service connection for asbestosis with a noncompensable evaluation is denied, and the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation remains unresolved.

The veteran's claim of service connection for asbestos-related lung disease, including asbestosis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent disability rating for service-connected respiratory insufficiency with obstructive and restrictive airway disease due to asbestos exposure has been granted, effective from October 7, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestos exposure and a current rating in excess of noncompensable for his lumbar strain with degenerative changes, finding that there was no evidence of asbestosis or other asbestos-related disease. The initial noncompensable rating assigned for the lumbar strain with degenerative changes is maintained.

The veteran died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASHD). The VA medical opinion concluded that his service-connected asbestosis did not cause or contribute to his death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is denied.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claim for service connection for pulmonary disability and pleural asbestosis, finding it not well grounded. The case was remanded to obtain additional medical records and address VA regulations pertaining to asbestos-related claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hyperstartle response is currently rated as noncompensably disabling. The VA has not provided a compensable evaluation for his respiratory disorder, which may be related to asbestos exposure in service.

The VA granted service connection for asbestosis but denied a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, cough, and nausea due to exposure to asbestos during service. The veteran was not found to have asbestosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legal requirements and the need for additional development of evidence. The veteran's claims for service connection are pending, as is his claim for a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's asbestos-related pleural plaquing of the lungs is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a pulmonary disability resulting from asbestos exposure, finding that there is no current evidence of such disability.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis or an asbestos related lung disorder, hearing loss disability, and residuals of a perforated left tympanic membrane. The veteran did not have these conditions due to lack of evidence supporting the claims.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for COPD secondary to asbestosis, finding that his PFT results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6604 or 6833.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis or any asbestos-related lung condition, based on a finding that there was no direct evidence of such conditions in his service records.