Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by sustained inhalation of asbestos fibers. For veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service, the condition typically develops years or even decades after the initial exposure, making the connection to service less obvious at the time of diagnosis. Understanding how the VA evaluates these claims and what evidence is required helps Durham-area veterans approach the process with an accurate picture of what’s needed.
How Asbestos Exposure Occurred in Military Service
Asbestos was used extensively in military construction, shipbuilding, and equipment manufacturing throughout much of the 20th century. Veterans who served in specific roles had significantly higher exposure:
- Navy veterans and shipyard workers who worked in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and below-decks spaces on ships insulated with asbestos materials
- Veterans who performed construction, renovation, or demolition work on military facilities built with asbestos-containing materials
- Aircraft and vehicle mechanics who worked with asbestos-containing brake pads, gaskets, and heat shields
- Veterans who worked with pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, or electrical equipment containing asbestos during the course of regular duties
Because this exposure happened as part of ordinary job duties rather than a single identifiable incident, establishing the in-service exposure component of an asbestosis claim requires careful review of service records and occupational history.
Why Asbestos Claims Don’t Have Presumptive Status
Unlike conditions related to Agent Orange or Gulf War service, the VA does not maintain a presumptive list for asbestos-related diseases. Veterans dealing with asbestosis, pleural disease, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related conditions must affirmatively establish both the in-service exposure and a medical nexus linking that exposure to the current diagnosis.
This is a meaningful procedural difference. Without a presumption, the burden of proof rests on the veteran throughout the claim. The quality of supporting documentation, particularly the medical nexus opinion, matters significantly to the outcome. A Durham VA asbestos lawyer can help identify the service records that document exposure and connect veterans with medical professionals who understand the specific requirements of VA asbestos nexus opinions.
How the VA Rates Asbestosis
The VA rates asbestosis under Diagnostic Code 6832, which evaluates the condition based on pulmonary function testing and the degree of respiratory impairment. The rating structure includes:
- 10% for mild impairment with slight restriction of lung function
- 30% for moderate impairment with significant reduction in pulmonary capacity
- 60% for substantial impairment affecting the ability to perform ordinary daily activities
- 100% for chronic respiratory failure or dependence on supplemental oxygen
The rating assigned at any given time may not reflect current severity if the disease has progressed since the veteran’s last VA examination. Claims for increased ratings are available when updated medical evidence documents worsening.
What Supports a Strong Asbestosis Claim
A well-supported asbestosis claim typically includes documented evidence of in-service exposure through military occupational records, a current diagnosis confirmed by pulmonary function testing and imaging, and a medical opinion from a qualified physician addressing the connection between the documented exposure and the current condition. Glover Luck LLP focuses exclusively on veterans disability law and assists North Carolina veterans in assembling all three components, including obtaining independent medical opinions when VA examiners have provided unfavorable nexus conclusions.
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or a related condition and believe your exposure occurred during military service, speaking with a Durham VA asbestos lawyer is the right step toward building a complete and well-supported claim.
