The Board found that the veteran's right lung mass and left kidney removal, claimed as a result of tobacco use in military service, are not related to his service. The evidence showed that he did not develop nicotine dependence during service and that his cancer was more likely attributable to his post-service smoking habit.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinions indicated that the veteran's renal cell carcinoma with metastasis was more likely due to his long-term tobacco use after leaving military service, rather than any tobacco use in service.
- Claimed conditions
- right lung mass, left kidney removal
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 15, 2005
- Citation
- 0522158
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 0522158.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development related to toxic exposure claims, specifically jet fuel and asbestos exposure. The AOJ must determine if the Veteran participated in any TERA (Toxic Exposure Risk Activity) based on his service duties and locations.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for kidney cancer, which was due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, has been granted. The claim is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has already been fully addressed in a previous decision.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disorder, a left leg disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. However, it granted an initial rating of 20 percent for residuals of bladder cancer and 10 percent for a scar of the left lower quadrant.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for kidney and bladder cancer, as well as the removal of the left kidney due to a service-connected disability.
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