Asbestosis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, right foot plantar fasciitis, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and asbestosis and/or any asbestos-related disability. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

Service connection is granted for pleural plaques, asbestosis, and neck cancer. Service connection is denied for COPD and tongue cancer. CAD remains remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for pulmonary asbestosis due to a lack of adequate examination addressing the private medical opinion from Dr. G. The VA examiner failed to address this opinion and other related evidence in the claims file.

The appeal is dismissed as to the claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a deviated septum. The appeals are remanded for further development on the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for asbestosis and TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board remands the case to obtain a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis of the left lung lobe.

The Board denied service connection for esophageal cancer and a respiratory disorder other than asbestosis and COPD, both claimed as due to exposure to asbestos. The decision is remanded for further development.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's esophageal cancer or his respiratory disorders because there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis and COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected asbestosis is remanded due to the lack of compliance with the August 2022 Board remand directives, specifically regarding a VA respiratory examination and pulmonary function testing.

The Board remands the matter for a new opinion on whether chronic bronchitis is related to or had its onset during the Veteran's military service, given that the previous opinion lacked adequate rationale.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asbestos-related lung disease, which was incurred in service, contributed to his death and is therefore service-connected for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including asbestosis and/or COPD, is being remanded due to the need for further development. The claim for service connection for his low back disability has been granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent effective February 3, 2015. The Veteran's dermatitis is rated at 10 percent effective September 18, 2014. The Veteran's asbestosis remains noncompensable.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development, including obtaining an examination and opinion regarding hypertension.