Burn pits are linked to a multitude of health problems in former service members, and advocacy efforts are underway to link more conditions to burn pit exposure. Since the most common cause of brain cancer involves exposure to radiation or toxins, it falls on the veteran to prove that the cancer was caused by exposure some time during their military service.īurn pits used in the post-9/11 era are commonly linked to instances of brain cancer, but brain cancer is not considered a presumptive condition. This is the critical component of brain cancer diagnoses for veterans. Is Brain Cancer a Presumptive Condition or Not? Your rating will be adjusted based on the residuals from the cancer, likely between 0, 10, 30, or 60%. A new C&P examination will then be scheduled to check on your status, and whatever VA finds from then on will affect your rating. An active cancer will get you an automatic 100% rating, which continues as long as you are in treatment plus six months afterwards. If you are eligible for VA disability benefits due to your brain cancer diagnosis, the compensation you receive looks no different than it does for any other kind of cancer. Treatment for brain cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, radio surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Imaging tests like magnetic resonance testing (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help locate and identify a tumor and help determine the treatment plan when a tumor is found.Īn operation may also be done to collect a biopsy from the tumor, which would help determine whether it’s malignant or benign, and help you better understand your prognosis. Diagnosis and Treatmentīrain cancer can be detected using a certain number of tests, including a neurological exam, in which your cognitive and motor functions, such as vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes, are tested to determine if your brain is being affected by a tumor. Secondary brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors in adults. Pituitary adenomas, which affect the pituitary glandĪ secondary, or metastatic, brain tumor can come from any other form of cancer, though the most common types of cancer that may spread to the brain are breast, colon, kidney, and lung cancer, along with melanoma. Meningiomas, which occur in the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cordĪcoustic neuromas (schwannomas), which affect the nerves Gliomas, which occur in the brain or spinal cord Some kinds of brain cancer which are common in adults include: In veterans’ cases, radiation exposure is likely the greatest cause for concern. Two of the greatest risk factors are exposure to ionizing radiation and a family history of brain cancer. What is Brain Cancer?īrain cancer appears in the brain or spinal cord near the brain, and though its causes aren’t entirely known, it is characterized by growths of abnormal cells with damaged DNA. There are certain instances when VA treats a veteran’s cancer as a presumptive condition based on the circumstances of their service, but for other veterans, a strong nexus linking your current diagnosis to your military service must be proved. Certain veterans who took part in specific activities throughout the twentieth century however, may be eligible for a presumptive service connection if their service records indicate their involvement. The difficult part is proving a service connection, when the causes of brain cancers can be difficult to trace. Veterans who are diagnosed with a form of brain cancer and who can prove a service connection are eligible for VA disability benefits similar to other cancers. Primary brain tumors originate in your brain or close to it, for instance on your spinal cord, while secondary tumors may occur when other cancers in your body metastasize to the brain. There are several kinds of tumors and they vary based on where they grow. State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veteransīrain cancer refers to any kind of tumor that grows in the brain, and which may be benign-or noncancerous-or malignant, meaning it’s cancerous and will keep spreading.National Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans.VA Special Monthly Compensation Calculator.Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
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