Asbestos Related Diseases

[Jim MAC]

Greetings all

I searched and searched but can not find what the VA considers asbestos related diseases. When I look in the Board Descions it keeps refering to DVB Circular 21-88-8, Asbestos Related Diseases. I searched the internet and all I find is BVA descions listing DVB Circular 21-88-8. Does anybody know where I can find that Circular.

Thanks,

Jim

[Guest Berta]

Berta

Thank you as always you are a wealth of knowledge that I wish the VA had. I was Air Force my two Job codes were C2A671A witch basically means Flying Crew Chief, 2A671A Jet engine mechanic. The VA Hospital are the ones who told me I had the scaring of the lungs. That is the first step of the disease. I was a 17 year old kid when I enlisted in the Air force ( worked pumping gas.) I retired in 2003 after 24 years in USAF so there is no way it can not be related to service. As always thanks for all you do.

Jim

Gee-I feel bad- I just have the NAVY MOS list Jim- not USAF but the USAF most surely had occupations too that exposed military to asbestos- I understand that the Blackbird (SR 71) has asbestos in it.

The asbestos regs are not presumptive but with good medical evidence of asbestos disease and lack of any other reason for it-but for military service occupations- this would certainly be a valid claim-

they are not easy to succeed in- this is an example of how difficult they can be:

http://www.va.gov/vetapp99/files2/9914963.txt

The Navy MOS list was developed due to the known incidence of asbestos in old Navy ships.

They were full of it before it was determined to be carcinogenic and responsible for other asbestos related disease.

The only asbestos claim I ever had- we are still waiting decision-

was Navy vet with no occupation prior or after Navy that exposed him, nor did he smoke.

He developed colon cancer which fits into VA' gastrointestinal'cancer definition.

But the VA doesn't read too good - I recently found info on a private lawsuit

-the man (not a vet)- had just gotten millions from lawsuit for asbestos exposure as he had developed colon cancer. This can combat any misunderstanding by VA as to his colon cancer being somehow not gastrointestinal,nor not associated with asbestos- therefore not potentially SC.

[Jim MAC]

Berta and Jstacey

Again thanks for your help. Under The navy codes it shows ADJ Jet Engine mechanic that is one of my Jobs in the Air Force (Listed on DD214.) I called the 1800 mumber today and was told my claim is at the appeal board now. I followed you advice did a NOD plus asked for a DRO. My question for you is due I still have to due a fpr, 9 or do i wait intil they answer the NOD.

Thanks,

Jim

[Guest Berta]

I would wait and see how they handle the NOD- in the time it will take for them to do that it would be great if you could get a good medical opinion that links your disability emphatically with the asbestos.

Do you have your VA medical records?

Jim-you know there is an offset on VA comp to some retirees-

Even with an offset it is always a good idea to get a SC rating on any SC condition.

The CDP info as to how the new law works is at :

http://www.dod.mil/dfas/money/retired/condispay.htm

[Jim MAC]

Bertha

I do not have my medical records I just found out about the asbestos in October when I signed up for the Gulf war register. I am currently rated at 60 percent. 50 % Sleep apnea, 10 Percent Tintuis (sorry bad speller ringing in my ears) and 10 percent Acid reflux.

I NOD then rating for acid reflux, and NOD the denial of asthma plus right shoulder injury and never even checking me for asbestos. I asked for a DRO.

Jim

Bertha

I do not have my medical records I just found out about the asbestos in October when I signed up for the Gulf war register. I am currently rated at 60 percent. 50 % Sleep apnea, 10 Percent Tintuis (sorry bad speller ringing in my ears) and 10 percent Acid reflux.

I NOD then rating for acid reflux, and NOD the denial of asthma plus right shoulder injury and never even checking me for asbestos. I asked for a DRO.

Jim

[Guest jstacy]

Jim,. Fibrosis can be the early stage of asbestos related diseases. The VA willl rate on Pulmonsry Function test. I assume you are retired airforce. I also assume you have tricare. Here is what I did when I filed my re-open and cue from previous asbestos denial. I never totally put trust into a VA doctor. ( VA has good docs, However there are always varied opinions) I have insurance. I told an outside pulmonary specialist that I had shortness of breath and he gave me a test in his office. (Most MD offices can do this) Using the results from his test ( DIffusion of less than 40 and scarring I did the following things.

Re-opened a claim from 1994 (100 percent and cue that the va did not use a low pulmonary diffusion at the c and p exam).

Officially retired from Working. Drawing LTD benefits.

Filed for SSD.

The doctor has been wonderful. He has completed all requested paperwork and said he will assist in any way.

If you have any chest xrays recently, obtain copies and take them with you. Also get va radiologist reports from va file room.

If you do indeed have asbestosis, Time may be of the essence.