Asbestosis decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding whether the veteran has asbestosis and/or if his COPD is related to service. The veteran needs a high resolution CT scan of the chest, and VA radiological reports from 1988 to 1995 must be obtained.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for COPD, secondary to asbestos exposure during service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and residuals of asbestos exposure. The appeal regarding diabetes mellitus and hypertension was dismissed due to a lack of timely submission of a substantive appeal.

The Board found no evidence of asbestos exposure during service and no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current respiratory conditions to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found no current diagnosis of asbestosis and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The heart condition claim was not addressed due to lack of information.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, Type II, lupus erythematosus, and hypertension. The evidence does not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral paresthesia, arthritis, hypertension, and a respiratory disorder due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support these claims as there was no current diagnosis of any condition related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for interstitial fibrosis due to asbestos exposure was denied by the RO, and he is currently receiving a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, asbestosis, and emphysema. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board found no evidence of asbestos exposure in service and no current diagnosis of asbestosis. The veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis was denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of asbestos exposure related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and a lung disorder other than inactive pulmonary tuberculosis. The heart disorder is considered secondary to the service-connected lung disability. No new evidence was presented to reopen any previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of asbestosis and there is no evidence linking it to service. As such, the claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied.