Asbestosis decisions — 2018

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection decisions are made as a result.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder due to new evidence showing current asbestosis and use of a CPAP machine. However, the issue remains remanded as the RO needs to develop how the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's lung disability, including asbestosis, COPD, and ILD. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board has denied service connection for asbestosis and remanded the claims of service connection for tongue cancer and an acquired psychiatric disorder.,For the tongue cancer claim, a VA examination is needed to determine if it had its onset in service or is otherwise related to any in-service disease, event, or injury, including possible herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus. The cases of lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and asbestosis are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis due to exposure during active service. However, the claim for service connection for thymoma is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or any exposures.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's asbestosis has not met the criteria for a compensable rating, as his pulmonary function tests do not show forced vital capacity or diffusion capacity of less than 80 percent predicted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including whether he suffers from asbestosis or an asbestos-related disability. The VA will schedule a medical examination to determine the etiology of his current respiratory disorders and assess if any are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a dental injury has been reopened and granted.,Service connection for the lung condition due to asbestos exposure is remanded as VA medical examination and opinion are required.,An increased rating of 100 percent for Persistent Depressive Disorder is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for cutaneous B cell lymphoma, which was secondary to asbestosis. The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's asbestosis is granted service connection, but his COPD and emphysema are denied service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis has been rated at 30 percent, which is the highest initial rating available under VA regulations. The decision also notes that his COPD is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and examination, including a need for an examination by a pulmonologist or another examiner with specialized knowledge in pulmonary or asbestos-related disease.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a respiratory disorder (asbestosis) due to his withdrawal. The issues of service connection for hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied because there is no current diagnosis of the condition.