Lung cancer decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed lung cancer. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for private care providers who have treated him, and a VA examiner will be asked to clarify whether he has a current diagnosis or any related disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, lung cancer, and oncocytoma due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as the evidence did not support a causal relationship with these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, pseudofolliculitis barbae (claimed as shaving profile), and lung cancer due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records related to his claimed conditions during active service and since discharge.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory/pulmonary disorder, including restrictive lung disease, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis and lung cancer. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's lung cancer and skin cancer are granted service connection as they are presumed to be related to their in-service exposure to herbicides, specifically due to their service in the Republic of Vietnam. The skin cancer is also granted on a direct basis based on its relation to in-service sun exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Guam, which could impact his claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Board dismissed the appeals on the issues of service connection for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's cause of death is remanded due to the need for further development regarding whether his service qualifies for the presumption of herbicide exposure based on the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his lung and esophageal cancer to his active service or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's death was not due to service-connected disability, and the cause of his lung cancer is unclear. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicides and his burial location. The appellant is requested to provide details about her husband's burial and any costs incurred, as well as clarify whether he was buried in a national cemetery or a private one.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer due to herbicide exposure. The claims are dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected asthmatic bronchitis and COPD did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to February 8, 2017. After February 9, 2017, when he was granted a total disability rating with special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate due to his prostate cancer and lung cancer, the matter of TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypothyroidism and lung cancer have been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

Your appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal and has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development and lack of substantial compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's death is being reviewed, but additional medical opinions are needed from a physician.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, including lung cancer, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding that the Veteran's disabilities were not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and kidney condition due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as there may be relevant medical records not associated with the claims file. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide an adequate VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s conditions.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer and COPD, finding that the evidence does not support a link to exposure at Camp Lejeune or any other in-service event.