Lung cancer decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's death from metastatic lung cancer is being evaluated to determine if it was caused or contributed substantially or materially by in-service exposure to AFFF.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding service connection for cause of death and 38 U.S.C. § 1151 claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and will obtain all relevant records before deciding the claims.

The Veteran's lung, liver and colon cancers are presumed to be related to his service due to exposure to herbicides. His right thumb injury is granted a 10% rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining new VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed lung disorders are not etiologically related to his in-service asbestos exposure, but rather are more likely due to post-service occupational exposure. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Columbus Community Hospital were not covered by VA or other Federal facilities due to the emergent nature of his condition and the unavailability of VA facilities. The Veteran had coverage under Medicare, making him personally liable for the treatment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing, and no other decisions have been made regarding service connection claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic lung cancer, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The appellant seeks service connection for these causes of death based on in-service chest pain complaints and potential herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's death is being reviewed, but without complete service records and treatment records, it is unclear if his service-connected conditions contributed to his death or are related to military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for COPD and granted it. The effective date for the award of service connection for asbestosis, lung cancer, and left upper lobectomy scars is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service-connected lung cancer was received shortly before his death, and he did not have any pending claims at the time of his death. As a result, no accrued benefits are due to the Veteran's surviving spouse.

The Veteran's lung disorder is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his in-service asbestos exposure and smoking history.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cancers, including esophageal cancer and lung cancer, which are linked to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including seeking an opinion regarding the etiology of his COPD and non-small cell lung cancer.

The Veteran's claim for accrued benefits based on service connection for prostate, lung and brain cancer due to herbicide exposure is being remanded for additional development as the appellant wishes to determine how her claim should be construed.

The Board has determined that the appellant is eligible for death pension benefits but her income exceeds the threshold amount. The case is REMANDED to clarify and verify the appropriate amounts of the appellant's income from various sources.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating from 100% to 30% for left upper lobectomy status post lung cancer was proper. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating since June 1, 2008 is denied as his COPD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's colon, liver, and lung cancers are granted service connection as they are related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that lung cancer was caused by cigarette smoking and not related to service. The other causes of death (post-obstructive pneumonia and cardiopulmonary arrest) were also deemed unrelated to service.