Lung cancer decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the claim to reopen a back disorder was also denied. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer, which was a principal cause of his death, is related to his in-service asbestos exposure. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed pulmonary disabilities are related to service or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran does not have lung cancer or mesothelioma that is related to military service, including exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to radiation during service, which may have contributed to his death from lung cancer.

The Veteran submitted new evidence suggesting his lung cancer and COPD may be related to environmental exposure, particularly coral dust. The Board finds this sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Thailand and had lung cancer, which is presumed to be due to this exposure. The Board also noted he had a history of chronic bronchitis but could not determine if it was related to his military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by perforated duodenum, respiratory failure, lung cancer, black lung, and diabetes. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records.

The Board found that the cause of death, refractory non-small cell lung cancer, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service due to lack of evidence linking it to service exposure.

The Veteran's cause of death, lung cancer, is not considered to be related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected lung cancer residuals, status post right lung lobectomy, are not shown to have current active pathology. The Veteran's current respiratory symptoms are attributed to nonservice-connected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of new procedures.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus and hard palate, which is presumed to be related to in-service herbicide exposure. The claim for accrued benefits purposes remains pending as a remand is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran served on a ship operating in Vietnam's inland waters, presumptively exposing him to herbicides. The cause of death was attributed to respiratory failure due to lung cancer. However, it is unclear whether the lung cancer originated in his lungs or metastasized from another site. A medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's fatal cancer is directly related to service and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for any disability, and thus could not establish service connection for the cause of death due to lung cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and requests that VA obtain records from his unit to determine if he had duty on the ground in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to non-small cell lung cancer, which he had service-connected prior to his death. The Board found that the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange did not apply as there is no evidence of land-based service in Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD is not service-connected and denied his claim for an initial (compensable) rating for residuals of lung cancer with lobectomy, history of bronchopleural fistula and pneumothorax. The case is now remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected condition.