Lung cancer decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for esophageal cancer and lung cancer, both of which were not shown to have originated during active service. The Board found that the cancers had metastasized from other conditions (esophageal cancer) rather than being primary or related to presumed herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected lung cancer is currently rated at 100 percent, but the rating criteria for this condition do not allow for a permanent and total disability rating due to the possibility of remission. The Veteran is therefore denied a permanent and total disability rating for his lung cancer.

The Veteran's cause of death is not service-connected due to the lack of new and relevant evidence submitted since the May 2019 rating decision.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer and brain cancer, finding that the Veteran's lung cancer was due to smoking rather than any claimed exposure during service. The brain cancer was found to be metastatic from the lung cancer.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for residuals of non-small cell lung cancer, left posterior trunk scars, and left anterior truck scars have been denied as the medical evidence does not support a higher rating based on current disability levels.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for adenocarcinoma lung cancer as a result of asbestos exposure, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and his service connection for tonsillar cancer. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records and provide a medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death and diabetes mellitus type II are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's exposure to commercial herbicides during service and its potential impact on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's lung cancer, which was rated at 100 percent disabling as of November 15, 1988, grants the Appellant eligibility for DEA benefits. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's lung cancer, status post left lobectomy, is being remanded for further evaluation due to noncompliance with the July 2019 remand directives. The claim will be readjudicated after a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer, finding that there is no evidence to support a conclusion that his asbestos exposure or asbestosis caused his adenocarcinoma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for lung cancer, finding that there was no evidence to support presumed or direct exposure to herbicide agents during his active service in Korea. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence linking the Veteran's current lung cancer to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and an initial rating for his lung cancer residuals with right upper lobectomy residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's lung cancer is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD, which led him to use tobacco products. The Board grants service connection for the lung cancer.

The Veteran's lung cancer is granted service connection, while his right and left shoulder disabilities, Barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability are denied.

The Veteran's service connection for lung cancer and type II diabetes mellitus is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's lung cancer, prostate cancer, and hypertension are granted as related to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for residuals of lung cancer prior to August 4, 2014, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to non-recurrence or metastasis and residual COPD.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence showing periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) that were previously not associated with the claims file. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current respiratory disability is related to his service or a period of ACDUTRA.