Lung cancer, COPD, Agent Orange

[JDMilw]

In March of this year I was diagnosed with lung cancer and received a rating of 100% agent orange presumptive.

I underwent radiation treatments and the latest CT/PET scans show no evidence of active cancer.

VA is currently in the process of reevaluating my rating.  I had a pulmonary function test and didn't do too well.  They diagnosed severe COPD.

FEV1 30-49%.

I quit smoking 3 years ago.

What are the chances I will receive a permanent rating for this?  And will there be a residual rating on the lung cancer?

My rating for prostate cancer went from 100% down to 10% after successful treatment.

Thanks for the input.

[Berta]

Has any doctor suggested that the COPD is due to the lung cancer or due to the treatment for it?

[JDMilw]

I have no information relative to that question.

It appears from eBenefits that a decision has been made and I'm awaiting an official letter.

Will post results.

[Gastone]

Any record of Lung Function Tests, pre-Cancer DX?

My Dad had been off the Coffin Nails for 20 years when he was DX'd with COPD at 83. My lay understanding is the COPD presents in both lungs, restricting 02 transport.

This is one of the times that a Vet definitely needs needs a sympathetic Pulmonary specialist's opinion. Even if it's a 50/50 chance, you get the jump ball.

What do your VMC Clinician Notes from the Pulmonary Specialist say regarding the relationship of your current COPD DX and your Lung Cancer (still considered Prostate Cancer, right?), could be very informative.

Again, strictly a lay opinion, your Lung cancer was considered a metastasis of your original Prostate cancer, could be wrong. I don't think all Lung Cancers are AO Presumptive, will have to check that out. how large an area of lung was removed or treated?

Semper Fi

 

 

[Berta]

Only respiratory lung cancers are AO presumptives.

[Gastone]

JD, from what I eye-balled in a couple med articles, your kinda screwed as to the Lung Cancer causing the COPD. Matter of fact, it's actually the other way around, there's a definite Medical Link between COPD causing Lung Cancer.

Being a long time, Nam Vet smoker, you'll play hell getting the COPD SC'd.

There again, you never know.

All your Med Records are with the VA, right. File the COPD FDC as Secondary to your SC'd Lung Cancer, let the VA Rater do his magic act.

Tough to do, I imagine things kinda suck for you right now, try to have a Happy New Year.

Semper Fi

[JDMilw]

All of my medical treatment has been at Kaiser as that was my insurance thru the USPS.  I continued that coverage after my retirement in May of this year in order to maintain health benefits for my kids.

I had a pulmonary test in March after lung cancer (non-small cell squamous) diagnosis.  Basically the pulmonary tests were about the same.

The lung cancer was already rated as SC for Agent Orange.  I'm expecting a reduction from 100% since latest scans indicate "cured".  BTW, I was not a candidate for surgery and had radiation treatment.

I am hopeful that since the development letter is pending/done I will receive word in the near future.

Will post results.

Thanks for the input.