The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his nicotine dependence during military service resulted in lung carcinoma and cardiac dysrhythmia. The appeal for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, which led to his death from cardiac dysrhythmia, was related to his long history of cigarette smoking during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Nicotine dependence, Right middle lobe cancer of the lung
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2002
- Citation
- 0205761
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0205761.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for PTSD and nicotine dependence, but granted ratings for left knee limitations in flexion, extension, and patellar instability.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions were denied in the April 2020 rating decision. The Board is denying these claims based on finality of the decision and lack of new evidence or arguments.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability due to additional development being required. The VA examiner is asked to provide opinions on whether any of the diagnosed disabilities were caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service, including his service-connected low back disability and opioid use disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD and dysthymia, is currently rated at 50 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.