Lung cancer decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's causes of death are related to his service-connected lung cancer, and whether he had ischemic heart disease prior to his death.

The Veteran's lung cancer is denied as there was no exposure to herbicides during service and the claim cannot be granted on a direct basis.

The Veteran's metastatic lung cancer and ischemic heart disease are not service connected, but the Board granted presumptive service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam or Thailand. The Board denied the claim for service connection for lung cancer as it did not start during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's cause of death from extensive stage small cell lung cancer was not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicide agents in Germany, which could affect his service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's bladder cancer with metastasis to the bone, liver, and spine is granted as service connection due to exposure to ionizing radiation.,Service connection for melanoma (skin cancer), liver cancer, bilateral hip cancer, lung cancer, collarbone cancer, and spine cancer are denied.

The Board has withdrawn the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, throat cancer, and lung cancer. The claim for new and material evidence to reopen service connection for depression is denied. Service connection for skin cancer is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for Scleroderma and the cause of death due to scleroderma, finding that there was no causal relationship between the Veteran's service at Camp Lejeune and his scleroderma. The Board also found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a claim for service connection based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's lung cancer is granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicides. Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left alveolar ridge remains pending as it was not determined if this condition is related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further action regarding an initial rating greater than 60 percent for non-small cell lung cancer status post resection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by or a direct result of his service, specifically due to asbestos exposure. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether this cause of death is related to service.

The Veteran's tuberculosis pleural effusion with minimal inactive pulmonary tuberculosis (to include lung cancer) is being remanded for further evaluation, and the issue of whether a 100% rating is now protected in light of a decision noting that the evaluation had been in effect since 1971 is also being remanded.

The Veteran's lung cancer is currently in remission after radiation treatment, but there are concerns about the condition worsening. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity and residuals of his service-connected lung cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various cancers and a lumbar spine disability have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in service and thus denying direct service connection. The Board also found that the Veteran’s left ear hearing loss did not contribute to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer is at least as likely as not related to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient rationale in previous medical opinions and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's lung cancer and pancreatic cancer claims based on environmental exposures during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lung cancer and his service, specifically his conceded asbestos exposure. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining a new VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's kidney cancer, adrenal gland cancer, and lung cancer have been granted service connection. Service connection for post-surgical scars related to these conditions has also been granted.