Question:

I am a retired navy vet that was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2007 which was believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos on navy ships and my work on aircraft brakes. I have been in remission since Dec. 2008. Am I entitled to VA disability? I still see my cancer doctor every year.

Jim's Reply:

Yes, probably. At diagnosis if your cancer claim was approved and service connected, you'd have received a 100% rating while in treatment. After treatment and while you're in remission, that rating would drop perhaps all the way to 0%. If you file now and you have a reoccurence you'll be way ahead of the VA and your rating would be simpler to raise up to where it should be.