Lung cancer decisions — 2018

The claim of service connection for lung cancer is denied. The claim of service connection for cause of death (cholangiocarcinoma) is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional VA clinical records, scheduling examinations, and determining the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's lung cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II, are granted service connection for purposes of accrued benefits.,The Veteran's cause of death due to adenocarcinoma of the lung is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lung disorder, including his service connection claim. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain treatment records and undergo an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his lung disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected residuals of lung cancer was received on March 26, 2014. The effective date for the partial allowance is set at this date based on receipt of his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment since May 20, 2013. The Board has referred the issue of TDIU prior to May 20, 2013 for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right lobectomy for lung cancer, secondary to asbestos exposure, is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, secondary to GERD, is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergies, due to asbestos exposure, is remand.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar disorder and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection and increased special monthly compensation are moot as the Veteran passed away.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of relevant medical records. The goal is to determine if there has been a significant reduction in lung functioning that warrants an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's cause of death, recurrent lung cancer, is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents while serving on the U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer may be related to his exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. However, a VA examination is needed to determine if this relationship exists.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left foot, chronic fatigue syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities. The claims for seizure disorder and blackouts/convulsions have been reopened.,Service connection was also granted for chronic sinusitis and lung cancer.

The Board has denied service connection for lung cancer and remanded the issue of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there is no evidence linking his service-connected conditions to his cause of death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically his terminal lung cancer. The appellant is asked to provide any relevant medical records and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer claim requires additional development due to inadequate medical opinion and missing treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer, which was denied in 2003 and reopened due to new evidence in 2011, is not eligible for an effective date prior to October 7, 2011 as the original denial became final.

The Board has remanded the issues of SMC based on aid and attendance for accrued benefits purposes and entitlement to higher disability rating for residuals, gunshot wound, right knee. The appellant is asked to provide additional private treatment records from Dr. M.S. from March 2011 through January 2015.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer and heart disability, finding no evidence of in-service events or diseases that could be linked to these conditions. The Veteran's lung cancer was not shown to be related to herbicide exposure, and his heart disability did not manifest within one year after separation.