The veteran's death was caused by metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, which is considered a service-connected disability due to her pre-existing liver condition. The Board finds that the service-connected liver condition contributed substantially and materially to the cause of death.
The deciding factor: The veteran's liver condition (chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis with peptic ulcer disease) was rated as 100% disabling, indicating severe debilitation. This condition affected a vital organ and played a material role in accelerating her death from metastatic lung cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis with peptic ulcer disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 17, 2001
- Citation
- 0127386
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0127386.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death is related to his exposure to environmental toxins at Fort Riley and/or Fort Lewis, including herbicides, pesticides, or other toxic chemicals during his active-duty service. The AOJ must obtain further research and provide a VA clinician with the necessary information to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's lung cancer and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's death was caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus and metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, which were presumed to be due to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents in Guam. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected obstructive lung disease, breathing problems, and chronic cough contributed to his death from lung cancer. The decision grants service connection for the cause of death.
- Granted
The Veteran's cause of death, metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, is determined to be related to his in-service exposure to radiation. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death based on presumptive service connection due to radiation exposure.
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