Lung cancer decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer, finding that there was no evidence linking his lung cancer to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune during military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lung cancer and cause of death due to incomplete records from Dr. Simon, and a new VA opinion is needed.

The Board denied DIC benefits under § 1151 for the cause of the Veteran’s death, concluding that VA's care did not proximately cause his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, arthritis (also claimed as legs-both, right hip bad, painful), gout, bilateral eye viruses, diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine disability, prostate cancer, residuals of asbestos exposure (including sinus and respiratory problems), lung cancer, and sinusitis. However, these claims were denied on the merits.

The Veteran's cause of death, metastatic lung cancer with esophageal cancer contributing to it, was not service-connected as the causes were not linked to his active duty service or exposure to Agent Orange or contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's lung cancer, presumed due to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange, is found to be the cause of death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for scars, post-operative, excision of lipomas of the right hip, anterior and posterior trunk with constant pain is granted from September 28, 2011.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for all linear scars head to toe due to surgery for excision of lipomas and lung cancer is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further adjudication regarding the appellant's request for substitution in her husband's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus and lung cancer.

The Veteran's chronic bronchitis with history of pneumonia and COPD was rated as noncompensable prior to March 13, 2018. The Board found that the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on FEV-1/FVC post-bronchodilator results.,The Veteran's tinea pedis was rated as zero percent (noncompensable) prior to March 13, 2018. The Board found that the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on affected body areas or systemic therapy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current or previous diagnosis of lung cancer, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer, attributing it to a lack of evidence linking his current condition to his time at Camp Lejeune or any other period of service. The decision also notes that smoking history is considered a significant risk factor for lung cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for lung cancer and depressive disorder as secondary to lung cancer. Lung cancer is found to be related to asbestos exposure during service, while the depressive disorder is found to be proximately due to or the result of the lung cancer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer and aid and attendance benefits was not received by VA until after his death, preventing the appellant from receiving accrued benefits.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew all issues on appeal, including the request for an earlier effective date for service connection of lung cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for lung cancer, specifically related to asbestos exposure in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to preclude substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer, which led to his death, was not caused by or related to his military service at Camp Lejeune. The cause of death is considered unrelated to service.

The Veteran's lung disorder, claimed as lung cancer, is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for the Veteran's dental condition for compensation purposes is denied because there is no indication that he has a compensable disability related to his military service.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability is denied as there is insufficient evidence linking the condition to service.,The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is denied due to lack of evidence showing inability to secure or follow gainful employment.,Special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is granted.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, including exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water. Service connection for the cause of his death and accrued benefits are denied.