The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer, which was a primary cause of his death in September 2016, is related to service. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the lung cancer was caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals and carcinogens during military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's lung cancer is related to his military service due to multiple carcinogenic exposures, including asbestos, and a 40-year history of tobacco smoke.
- Claimed conditions
- Non-small cell carcinoma of the lung
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19158103
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 19158103.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's chemotherapy-induced headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 10, 2013. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the severity of his symptoms and treatment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including an increased disability rating for non-small cell carcinoma of the lung and headaches, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's claims are pending resolution.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's rating for non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, status post lobectomy was reduced from 10 percent to zero percent. The Board has determined that this reduction was improper and has ordered a remand to address the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected condition.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death due to lack of competent evidence showing a service-connected disability was either the principal or contributory cause of his death. The Veteran died from non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, which is not considered service connected.
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.