Lung cancer decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer and brain cancer, both claimed to be due to ionizing radiation exposure in service. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claim of participation in a 'radiation risk activity' as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and PTSD due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as any acquired psychiatric disability. The decision is pending further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's alleged stressors in service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and lung cancer due to herbicide agent exposure during service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lung cancer residuals, status post thoracotomy, finding that his pulmonary function test results warranted no more than a 10 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6844.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, COPD, and lung cancer. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's death was attributed to lung cancer, but the cause of his service-connected conditions and exposure during service are under review. The Board has ordered further investigation into whether the Veteran served in Vietnam while stationed in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an adequate statement of reasons or bases explaining why a VA examination was not required. The Veteran's lung cancer is presumed to be related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's lung cancer, presumed related to his service in Vietnam and exposure to toxic herbicides, is found to have caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran's death. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and diesel fuel, as well as a need for a VA medical opinion on whether his death is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected lung cancer residuals is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Service connection for skin cancer due to herbicide exposure is denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for metastatic breast cancer due to conflicting evidence and lack of a medical opinion linking the cause of death to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to June 14, 2019 for the grant of service connection for lung cancer.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding increased initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy. The Veteran's claims for service connection for brain cancer and lung cancer are remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death due to metastatic lung cancer, finding that there was no evidence showing any in-service event, injury, or illness involving his lung cancer. The Board also found that there is no medical opinion linking the Veteran’s military service directly to his diagnosis.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal for lung cancer service connection and remanded the COPD with emphysema and history of pulmonary tuberculosis rating issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to issues regarding service connection for lung cancer and colon cancer, including potential exposure to asbestos and Agent Orange.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an opinion from an oncologist or otolaryngologist regarding the relationship between the Veteran's neck cancer and service, including exposure to herbicide agents. Lung cancer is not considered in this decision.

The reduction from 100% to 60% disability rating for lung cancer residuals was improper, and the 100% rating is restored. The case is also remanded for an increased rating for lung cancer residuals and a TDIU determination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer is at least as likely as not caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.