Asbestosis decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of asbestosis, COPD, or PTSD. The claims for service connection in these areas are therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right hand injury and right knee injury, finding no competent medical evidence showing current disabilities related to these conditions. The claim for asbestos exposure was not addressed due to lack of clarity in the appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected asbestosis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the results of his pulmonary function tests, which showed FVC and DLCO (SB) within normal or near-normal ranges.

The Board denied service connection for asbestos related lung disease and peripheral neuropathy, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions and concluding that the veteran's symptoms are more likely due to diabetes and alcohol use.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have asbestosis or that it is due to post-service occupational exposure, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not manifest asbestosis and there is no competent evidence linking his current pulmonary disability to asbestos exposure or any other event in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and asbestos-related lung disease, COPD due to radiation exposure, and sleep apnea. The evidence did not support a finding of current disability or a link between these conditions and service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records of exposure to asbestos in service and a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis or any other asbestos-related disease and denied his claim for service connection.