Recent C&p Exam Report On Asbestosis Claim

[68mustang]

I got a copy of the C&P exam report for the exam I had last week. Since I don't have a scanner I am posting what it states in the

(Standard Examiners Medical Opinion) as follows:

The condition/disability pleural calcification ( asbestos related lung disease) is as least as likely as not (50/50 Probability) caused by or a result of asbestos exposure based on military occupational specialty.

Rationale for Opinion Given:

The veteran's occupation in the military involved working in areas with high concentration of asbestos. His work in shipyards during this period of time is a documented environmental risk for acquiring asbestos related lung disease. Due to the history of a high risk occupation and the current CT scan findings which are typical of asbestos related lung disease, it is likely that his present chronic disability from lung disease (pleural calcification) is related to his occupation while on active duty.

Reference:

Speizer,FE. Environmental Lung Disease. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition pages. 1469-1470.

Just like to see if anyone has any input as to whether this would help with my claim for asbestosis. I don't know if this would be rateable or if rateable at what percentage. Thanks for any info that you can provide.

68mustang

[jbasser]

It should be rated as Lung disease based on the results of your PFT's

What was your Naval Specialty. The list is here on HAdit that tells the probability of exposure.

J

[68mustang]

It should be rated as Lung disease based on the results of your PFT's

What was your Naval Specialty. The list is here on HAdit that tells the probability of exposure.

J

Boiler Technician and Engine man both are on the pies list here on hadit. Thanks.

68mustang

[jbasser]

Boiler Techs and Engine men are very likely to have been exposed to asbestos on board ships.

African Amosite asbestos was a main asbestos used for HP steam Piping. It is the most dangerous form of asbestos as it is very fiberous and could become airborne if the outer covering was ripped or cut open.

Keep us posted on this one as it bears real interest.

J

[Berta]

Just like to see if anyone has any input as to whether this would help with my claim for asbestosis. I don't know if this would be rateable or if rateable at what percentage. Thanks for any info that you can provide."

Those C & P statements should definitely get you an award.

With the reference to Harrison's Principles,too-which more C & P examiners should do-the doc cited a medical authority.

Harrison's is unequivocally one of the best medical texts around.

I have no idea how they will rate this.Or if it is at a ratable level.As John said this is rated with the PFT test results.

This should be listed in the VA's Schedule of Ratings here at hadit-as to how they rate this and you can compare your PFT results with the rating percentages.

Do you have any other disabilities that could possibly be caused by the lung problems as secondarys?

Do you have sleep apnea that this disability could perhaps make worse (thus an aggravated secondary) ?

[68mustang]

With the reference to Harrison's Principles,too-which more C & P examiners should do-the doc cited a medical authority.

Harrison's is unequivocally one of the best medical texts around.

I have no idea how they will rate this.Or if it is at a ratable level.As John said this is rated with the PFT test results.

This should be listed in the VA's Schedule of Ratings here at hadit-as to how they rate this and you can compare your PFT results with the rating percentages.

Do you have any other disabilities that could possibly be caused by the lung problems as secondarys?

Do you have sleep apnea that this disability could perhaps make worse (thus an aggravated secondary) ?

Berta and John thank you for your responses. I'll have to compare the PFT results with the rating percentages. Although if it is not rateable at a percentage such as 10% or higher I hope that it is rated at least 0% that way I have it on record with a percentage. That would be a big help if get worse later, right? I do have sleep apnea, but don't know if I could get the pulmonary specialist to connect the two. I had a hard time getting a letter from the pulmonary specialist connecting my military service occupations with my lung disease. The best he could say in the letter was state that since my military occupations exposed me to asbestos that it was "possible" that it contributed to the asbestosis. The pulmonary specialist did put in the diagnosis that I had sleep apnea. Sleep apnea may be something to look into now.

My claim is not at the Houston RO because it was farmed out to another RO. I have had better results with that new RO than I have had with the Houston RO. Sometimes that pays off. I'll have to wait and see what the VA rater will come up with. Again thanks for your input and will keep you all posted on hadit. If you all have any more please let me know especially about the sleep apnea and whether that could be secondary to the asbestosis claim.

68mustang.

Edited January 14, 2011 by 68mustang

[68mustang]

I was looking at the C&P exam report in the diagnosis section and noticed some entries that detail how the asbestosis affects my work and daily life. In the work section it states: no effects ( I guess because I am retired). The usual daily activities it states: Yes and it goes on to describe that: Moderate restriction of strenous chores which require prolonged heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling. It is also noted that I have a positive history of dyspnea onset on moderate exertion. If anyone has any more input please let me know. Thanks.

68mustang