Asbestosis decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of asbestosis and that any lung problems are likely due to post-service employment, specifically at Ingall's Shipbuilding. Therefore, service connection for asbestosis is denied.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hemorrhoids, and left leg disability. The claim for service connection for an asbestos-related disability (COPD) was denied as there is no evidence of exposure to asbestos in service or a relationship between COPD and service. Service connection for aggravation of flat feet was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected asbestosis, finding that the criteria for a compensable evaluation were not met prior to November 5, 2002 and that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent were not met between November 5, 2002 and September 13, 2005.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to ambiguous findings in a VA examination report and incomplete medical records.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability and respiratory disorder were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a video conference hearing.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis and bronchitis due to new medical evidence. However, the preponderance of the competent medical evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are linked to his active service.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for asbestosis has been granted, but further development is needed due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis, finding no current diagnosis of the condition and noting that there was no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's pulmonary asbestosis and asbestos related pleural disease did not begin during service or due to any incident of service, including alleged asbestos exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis was denied in March 1996. The case was remanded multiple times, but the appeal is dismissed due to the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is causally related to his active service, warranting service connection. However, there is no competent evidence establishing a current diagnosis of residuals of exposure to asbestos or linking it to service.