Asbestosis

Malignant neoplasm of the lung - Asbestosis Factor

Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs involving the tiny terminal passages of the lungs (the alveoli).  It is caused over a long period by the inhalation of large quantities of asbestos fibres which are sufficiently small to reach the alveoli.

Symptoms and signs

The effects of asbestosis are insidious, occurring over months and years.  Asbestosis starts with an inflammatory process (alveolitis).  Signs and symptoms develop when damage and scarring caused by the asbestos fibres lead to stiffness in the lung tissue so that the lungs can't contract and expand normally (a form of pulmonary fibrosis).  This leads to reduced lung volumes and impaired gas transfer.  The patient characteristically notices the insidious onset of exertional dyspnoea and reduced exercise tolerance.  Chest X-ray may show irregular or linear opacities and a "ground glass" appearance of the lung fields.  Either of these situations confirms a radiographic diagnosis of asbestosis.  Pleural effusions (collections of fluid in the pleural spaces of the lungs) may also be noted on chest X-ray.

Last reviewed for CCPS 18 July 2007.

Preliminary questions [31637]

31638 there is some evidence that asbestosis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

31639 the veteran has had asbestosis at some time.

31641 the veteran had asbestosis at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

31645  the veteran has established the causal connection between asbestosis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

31646   the veteran has established the causal connection between asbestosis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

or

31647   the veteran has established the causal connection between asbestosis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

Clinical onset and operational service [31646]

31648  the asbestosis is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [31647]

31649  the asbestosis is causally related to eligible service.