Lung cancer decisions — 2021

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer and brain cancer, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service. The primary reason given was the Veteran's history of smoking, which is considered a significant risk factor for both lung and brain cancers.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's MOS of ship's cook and gunman had a minimal risk of asbestos exposure. The opinion also considered his work in a sheet metal factory but concluded that working there posed a greater risk of asbestos exposure than his military duties.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer and prostate cancer, finding that the conditions were less likely than not caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during military service. The opinions of a VA examiner and the Veteran's cardiothoracic surgeon supported this conclusion.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions, including a cervical spine disability and peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities. The Veteran's claims are pending further examination and review.

The Veteran's lung cancer, which caused his death, was not service-connected during his lifetime and the evidence does not support a finding that it was otherwise related to service. The Board therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lung cancer.

The Veteran was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevented him from performing tasks involving frequent standing or walking. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residuals of lung cancer, including scars and a left upper lobectomy, is being remanded due to worsening symptoms. The case also includes an issue regarding service connection for a rib fracture.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential herbicide exposure and/or diabetes mellitus, as well as other conditions. The VA is instructed to verify the Veteran's exposure history and obtain an addendum opinion regarding his diabetes diagnosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his cause of death due to malignant melanoma and lung cancer, finding that there was no causal link between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and his PTSD rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for residuals of a lower back injury is also denied, with the Board concluding that the Veteran does not have a current low back disability and it is less likely than not related to his active service.,The claim for service connection for lung cancer is remanded as VA needs to assess radiation exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and denied service connection for this condition. The lung, hearing loss, skin cancer, back injury, and right knee conditions are all remanded for further development.

The claims of service connection for lung and brain cancer are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding possible exposure to ionizing radiation during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for metastatic lung cancer on an accrued basis and DIC based on the cause of death. The Veteran's spouse provided evidence indicating chemical exposure during service, which led to a causal link between the cancer and military service.