The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met.
The deciding factor: There is no causal connection between the Veteran’s military service and his death.
- Claimed conditions
- adenocarcinoma of the lung
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20012754
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20012754.
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 remands the claim for a respiratory disability, diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the lung, atelectasis, and bronchiectasis, to obtain an updated TERA memorandum and new VA opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for adenocarcinoma of the lung, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran and finding that his condition is causally related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a lung condition to obtain an addendum opinion that adequately considers all relevant evidence and factors, including the Veteran's in-service exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal to reduce his disability rating for adenocarcinoma of the lung from 100% to 30% has been withdrawn by his representative.
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