M21-1 Manual / Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section D

Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos

M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section D

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the topic, “Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos.”

1. Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos

Introduction

This topic contains information on service connection (SC) for disabilities resulting from exposure to asbestos, including

considering SC for disabilities claimed to result from exposure to asbestos during service, and
determining the diagnostic code (DC) when rating disabilities caused by exposure to asbestos.

Change Date

July 29, 2021

VIII.iii.7.D.1.a. Considering SC for Disabilities Claimed to Result From Exposure to Asbestos During Service

When deciding a claim for service connection (SC) for a disability claimed to result from exposure to asbestos during service, the rating activity should

determine whether or not service records demonstrate the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during service
ensure that development is accomplished to determine whether or not the Veteran was exposed to asbestos either before or after service, and
determine whether or not the evidence establishes a nexus between exposure to asbestos and the claimed disease, keeping in mind latency and exposure factors.

Notes:
As always, resolve reasonable doubt in the claimant’s favor.
If assistance in deciding a case is needed, contact the Compensation Service Policy Staff (211).
References: For more information on
development procedures to be performed in claims based on asbestos exposure, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 7.B
procedures for determining the likelihood of in-service asbestos exposure, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 7.C
need for a medical nexus to service in asbestos-related claims, see VAOPGCPREC 4-2000, and
requesting assistance from Compensation Service, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.A.

VIII.iii.7.D.1.b. Determining the DC When Rating Disabilities Caused by Exposure to Asbestos

Use the information below to determine the diagnostic code (DC) to assign when rating disabilities caused by exposure to asbestos.

If the condition is …	Then rate …
asbestosis	under 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6833.
pleural effusions fibrosis, or pleural plaques	analogous to asbestosis under 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6833.
cancer	under the DC for the appropriate body system.
mesothelioma of pleura	analogous to 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6819.
mesothelioma of peritoneum	analogous to 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7343.

Source: VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section D (U.S. government work, reproduced for reference). Browse all sections →