The Veteran's cause of death was lung cancer, but the Board found no evidence to support a service connection claim based on radiation exposure. The preponderance of the evidence did not establish that the Veteran had in-service exposure to ionizing radiation or that his lung cancer was caused by such exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board determined there was insufficient evidence to show the Veteran was exposed to ionizing radiation during service, and thus could not find a connection between any potential radiation exposure and the Veteran's death from lung cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- Lung Cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 12, 2019
- Citation
- A19002662
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 A19002662.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board determined that the reduction in rating from 100 percent to 30 percent for service-connected lung cancer was proper, and restoration of the 100 percent rating is not warranted. The criteria for entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status have also not been met.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bladder cancer, and lung cancer as secondary to the Veteran's in-service asbestos exposure.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of August 26, 2010 for the award of a 30 percent evaluation for COPD, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for increased disability evaluations and effective dates, as well as dismissed the claims related to lung cancer and SMC on housebound status.
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.