Asbestosis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected COPD, fibrosis, bronchiectasis and asbestosis is remanded due to the lack of private treatment records relevant to his claim.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include anxiety reaction with hysterical component. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis or treatment records. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service-connected compensation was denied, and the appellant is not a dependent child of the Veteran. Therefore, she cannot receive accrued benefits.

The Veteran's death was caused by lung cancer, which is not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's asbestosis, diagnosed after service, was more likely due to post-service exposure rather than in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestosis is related to his exposure during service, and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition due to asbestos exposure and vertigo secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims due to insufficient evidence in the record, including private medical records from VA and non-VA providers.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and that any potential exposure to asbestos during active duty was minimal. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have any symptoms or manifestations of a lung disability while in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional medical records. The Veteran's respiratory condition, including COPD and asbestosis, is being reviewed again with a focus on her service exposure.

Service connection is granted for COPD and an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder). The Veteran's lung condition, claimed as asbestosis, is also service-connected. Other claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 19, 2013 due to insufficient evidence and for referral to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's hearing loss and lung disease (asbestosis with COPD) are being remanded for further evaluation. The service connection for both conditions is not currently established, and the issue of exposure to aircraft fumes causing his lung condition needs clarification.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis and bladder cancer, finding that the Veteran's exposure to asbestos in service is at least as likely as not related to his current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records, requiring a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disorder is related to his service or asbestos exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disorders, asbestosis, and hearing loss. The decision also found that no increased disability ratings were warranted for his hearing loss.