Lung cancer decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding asbestos exposure and service connection for the cause of death. The Veteran's lung cancer is now under review with an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for non-small cell lung cancer, finding that there was no direct or causal connection between his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and his diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. The Board gave more weight to the opinion of a VA examiner who stated that the Veteran's significant history of smoking was the most significant risk factor for his development of lung cancer.

The Veteran's cause of death was not due to exposure to herbicide agents during service, and the conditions were not found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not due to service-connected conditions, and denied DIC benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed exposure to herbicide agents and bulk fuel oil during service, which is necessary for proper determination of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer and throat cancer due to insufficient development of evidence, including missing treatment records and unverified exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lung cancer is related to his service, specifically his exposure to herbicide agents and presumed toxic exposure risk activities in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer is reopened, but the underlying claim remains remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause and origin of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and a surgical scar secondary to lung cancer due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam, as well as possible asbestos and jet fuel exposures. The claims are also remanded for a VA TERA examination.

The Veteran's death was caused by stage 4 lung cancer, which is related to his military service. Service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, acquired psychiatric disorder, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as their secondary relationships. The appellant is seeking service connection based on herbicide exposure at Fort Drum, NY.

The Veteran's lung cancer residuals are being remanded for further evaluation, and the TDIU claims remain on appeal due to their inextricability with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death, finding that the Veteran's lung cancer was caused by his in-service asbestos exposure. The appeal for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as the Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct and he did not meet the criteria for entitlement.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the service connection claims for lung cancer and prostate cancer in a May 2023 written statement, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for the veteran's death and various cancers due to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the appellant requested withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's request to reopen a final denial of service connection for oral cancer is granted. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for lung cancer, which is considered inextricably intertwined with the oral cancer claim.

The Veteran's lung cancer is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service at the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Veteran's respiratory cancer, diagnosed as lung and laryngeal cancer, is related to his presumed Agent Orange exposure while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death and service connection.

The Veteran's cause of death (stage IV lung cancer) is denied as there is no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during service, and the Board finds that a disability of service origin did not cause or contribute to his death.