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Evidence checklist

Lung Cancer Residuals

DC 681938 CFR § 4.97Respiratory

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Pathology report confirming lung cancer diagnosis and histologyCritical

Biopsy or surgical pathology report documenting the cancer type (non-small cell: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, large cell; or small cell), stage, and grade. This is the foundation of the claim.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion or presumptive documentation linking lung cancer to serviceCritical

A medical opinion connecting lung cancer to service, OR documentation of presumptive service connection under the PACT Act (burn pit/toxic exposure registry), Agent Orange exposure, or radiation exposure. Active malignancy is rated 100%.

Private provider · independent opinion
Post-treatment PFTs documenting residual pulmonary functionCritical

Spirometry and DLCO following surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy documenting the degree of residual functional impairment. Post-lobectomy or post-pneumonectomy PFTs are critical for rating after active malignancy.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Surgical and treatment records (resection, radiation, chemotherapy)Critical

Operative reports for lung resection (wedge, lobectomy, pneumonectomy), radiation therapy records, and chemotherapy treatment summaries documenting the extent of treatment.

VA or private records · written request
Post-treatment imaging (CT chest, PET scan) for surveillance

Surveillance CT or PET-CT imaging documenting the post-treatment state, any recurrence, or residual structural changes including pleural or parenchymal changes following resection or radiation.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 1 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Respiratory ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing post-treatment PFT values, imaging findings, treatment history, and functional impact following lung cancer.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 2 collected
PACT Act toxic exposure registry or Agent Orange documentation

Enrollment in the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, ILER report, or documentation of qualifying Agent Orange or radiation exposure to establish presumptive service connection.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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