The Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure due to metastatic lung cancer and advanced esophageal cancer, is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service in Thailand. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Udorn RTAFB and Takhli RTAFB, and granted service connection for cause of death as a result of in-service herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding his duties near the base perimeter were credible and consistent with his MOS and service records. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Udorn RTAFB and Takhli RTAFB, and resolved reasonable doubt in favor of exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic lung cancer, advanced esophageal cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19133182
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the service connection claims for various cancers and eye conditions due to an alleged failure to properly investigate toxic exposures during service, including at Fort Wainwright.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death to obtain additional evidence and a medical opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and the evidence does not support a finding of exposure to herbicide agents during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's death and its contributory causes. The appellant must provide additional evidence from a VA examiner.
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