---
title: "Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section D Rating Claims Based on Exposure to Asbestos"
document: "M-21-1"
section: "Part VIII, Subpart iii, Chapter 7, Section D"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/viii.iii.7.d-rating-claims-based-on-exposure-to-asbestos"
source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177464/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-iii-Chapter-7-Section-D-Rating-Claims-Based-on-Exposure-to-Asbestos"
updated: "2026-09-08T14:37:23.298456Z"
---

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](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177462/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-iii-Chapter-7-Section-B-Development-and-Examination-Requests-for-Claims-Based-on-Exposure-to-Asbestos>)
  * procedures for determining the likelihood of in-service asbestos exposure, see [M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iii, 7.C](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177463/M21-1-Part-VIII-Subpart-iii-Chapter-7-Section-C-Evaluating-Evidence-of-Asbestos-Exposure>)
  * need for a medical nexus to service in asbestos-related claims, see [VAOPGCPREC 4-2000](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000043770/VAOPGCPREC-04-00-Apr-13-2000-Nature-of-Manual-Provisions-Concerning-Claims-Involving-Asbestos-Related-Diseases-Need-for-Medical-Nexus-Evidence-in-Asbestos-Related>), and
  * requesting assistance from Compensation Service, see [M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.A](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000177996/M21-1-Part-X-Subpart-v-Chapter-1-Section-A-Compensation-Service-and-Pension-and-Fiduciary-PF-Service-Guidance>).

### 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](<http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87741b4e230737058d6d11ebbca4dc0f&mc=true&node=se38.1.4_197&rgn=div8>).  
  * pleural effusions
  * fibrosis, or
  * pleural plaques

|  analogous to asbestosis under [38 CFR 4.97, DC 6833](<http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87741b4e230737058d6d11ebbca4dc0f&mc=true&node=se38.1.4_197&rgn=div8>).  
cancer |  under the DC for the appropriate body system.  
mesothelioma of pleura |  analogous to [38 CFR 4.97, DC 6819](<http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87741b4e230737058d6d11ebbca4dc0f&mc=true&node=se38.1.4_197&rgn=div8>).  
mesothelioma of peritoneum |  analogous to [38 CFR 4.114, DC 7343](<http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=87741b4e230737058d6d11ebbca4dc0f&mc=true&node=se38.1.4_1114&rgn=div8>).