Asbestosis decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as finding that his claims were not well grounded.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and a disability of the knees were not well-grounded, thus denying them.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis due to his in-service exposure and denied his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and an increased rating for asbestosis. The decision found that the evidence did not support a well-grounded claim for service connection, and that the current disability picture of asbestosis warranted only a 30% evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's back and neck disorder is not related to his service, while his lung disorder was attributed to smoking rather than asbestos exposure. The claim for both conditions was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and asbestosis, finding no evidence of current asbestos-related lung disability. The claim for an earlier effective date for benefits by reason of a dependent spouse was also denied.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for asbestosis has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis and PTSD. For asbestosis, the evidence showed current respiratory disorder but was silent on etiology. The VA examinations concluded that the respiratory disorder was more likely due to tobacco use rather than asbestos exposure. For PTSD, the claim is well-grounded with a diagnosis of PTSD in April 1996, but the Board did not address whether the claimed stressor actually occurred as it pertained to service connection.

The VA has determined that the veteran's asbestosis, which was granted service connection for in August 1994 and rated at 10 percent since January 20, 1994, does not warrant an evaluation higher than 30 percent under either the old or new rating criteria. The most recent examination showed minimal symptoms of shortness of breath on exertion.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis and asbestosis has been granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is not well-grounded.,There is no evidence linking the veteran's current chronic fatigue syndrome to his military service or reported continuity of post-service symptomatology.,The veteran's allegation of hearing loss is not supported by medical evidence that would render plausible the claim concerning service connection for bilateral hearing loss.,Although the veteran has reported asbestos exposure in service, there is no medical evidence of asbestosis or any asbestos-related disorder.,Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath are not well-grounded due to lack of credible evidence linking them to an undiagnosed illness.,The veteran's claim for flu-like symptoms involving the sinuses is not well-grounded.,Muscle aches in thighs and lower legs are not supported by medical evidence that would render plausible the claim concerning service connection for muscle aches resulting from an undiagnosed illness.,Eye symptoms are not supported by medical evidence that would render plausible the claim concerning service connection for eye symptoms resulting from an undiagnosed illness.,Stomach symptoms are not well-grounded due to lack of credible evidence linking them to an undiagnosed illness.,Generalized joint pain and shaking are not well-grounded due to lack of credible evidence linking them to an undiagnosed illness.,Fatigue as a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness is plausible, but the veteran has submitted some evidence supporting this claim.,The veteran's allegation of hearing loss related to an undiagnosed illness is not well-grounded.,Joint pain in ankles and hips are not well-grounded due to lack of credible evidence linking them to an undiagnosed illness.,Joint pain in thumbs, fingers of both hands, wrists, elbows are not well-grounded due to lack of credible evidence linking them to an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran is seeking service connection for asbestosis, a condition he claims was caused by asbestos exposure during his military service. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for COPD, arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, and asbestosis are not well grounded. The veteran's arguments have been considered, but there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected asbestosis, finding that the current evaluation adequately reflects the level of disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral foot rash, asbestosis, hepatitis, prostatitis, jungle rot/groin rash, and colon polyps. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.