The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has added nine rare respiratory cancers to the presumptive list of service-connected disabilities, drawing attention to veterans’ disabilities that result from exposure.
Through the review of scientific and medical evidence, the VA stated there is a plausible connection between airborne hazards and carcinogenesis of the respiratory tract. The VA also stated that the rarity of these cancers warrant service connection presumption.
I believe this regulation is a step in the right direction in recognizing the serious diseases veterans are developing because of these exposures. However, these cancers are very specific and I would advise a veteran who is filing a claim to clarify with their doctor if their cancer matches this list, because there are many types of respiratory and lung cancers.
The list of cancers, added to the VA’s regulation through an Interim Final Rule, include:
This is an important development for veterans to revisit previously filed claims. Veterans and surviving service members who were denied benefits for any of the above cancers are strongly encouraged to file a supplemental claim to receive benefits.
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