Asbestosis decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not well-grounded. The Board found no evidence of a nexus or link between any diagnosed conditions and the veteran's active service.

The VA has continued the veteran's current 60 percent rating for asbestosis, finding that his condition does not warrant a higher evaluation based on objective findings.

The Board has granted service connection for benign pleural plaques due to asbestos exposure. The claims for service connection for COPD and asthma as due to asbestos exposure are not well grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected chronic low back pain, finding that there is no evidence of muscle spasms or absent ankle jerk indicative of a higher rating. The veteran's asbestosis was granted service connection.