Asbestosis — all decisions

The Veteran's asbestosis-related pulmonary fibrosis with OSA is granted a staged initial rating of 50 percent from March 13, 2019. The issue of higher staged initial ratings and entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 10, 2018, are remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for asbestosis prior to November 26, 2019 was denied. The claim for a 100 percent rating since November 26, 2019 was granted. The issue of an effective date prior to August 17, 2015, for TDIU is remanded.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for asbestos-related calcified pleural plaques was partially granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned.

The veteran's claim for asbestosis with COPD was granted an effective date of July 21, 2021. The request for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate was denied.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a respiratory condition other than asbestosis, including COPD. The Board will obtain additional medical records to assist in deciding the claim.

Service connection for asbestosis is denied. Other claims are remanded for further review.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea but remanded decisions on asbestosis, diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The veteran was granted a 100% disability rating for interstitial lung disease and service connection for peripheral neuropathy in both legs. The claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was dismissed as moot, and the claim for exudative macular degeneration was remanded.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection for respiratory and heart disabilities to obtain adequate medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding asbestos exposure and a need for further examination of the Veteran's respiratory disabilities, including COPD.

An increased disability rating of 70 percent for depression is granted effective May 15, 2014. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for depression is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the record existing prior to the appealed decision. The Veteran's respiratory condition, bilateral knee conditions, and right shoulder condition are being reviewed again.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for squamous cell carcinoma, right tonsil with asbestosis and extraction of teeth numbers 1, 3, 14, 16, 17, 18 and 30. The AOJ must obtain retrospective opinions regarding the severity of these conditions from the date of award of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for asbestosis.

The Veteran's asbestosis is rated at 90 percent since July 21, 2021. He was granted a TDIU from that date until November 2, 2022. From then on, he had a combined rating of 100 percent due to his service-connected disabilities. Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility is also granted.