Malignant tumor of the esophagus (food pipe)
VA doesn't add ratings together. It combines them using the table in 38 CFR § 4.25, so two ratings usually total less than their sum.
While the cancer is active, medical records confirming the diagnosis and documentation of ongoing or recently completed treatment — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other therapy — are central to supporting a 100 percent rating. Records showing the date treatment ended are important because they mark the start of the six-month period before the mandatory VA examination. At that examination, VA will look for evidence of local recurrence or metastasis; imaging reports, pathology results, and oncology notes that address those questions directly are relevant. If the cancer is in remission and VA rates on residuals, records documenting the nature and severity of lingering symptoms — such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, pain, or digestive dysfunction — become the focus. Statements from you or people who know you that describe how those residual symptoms affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities can help show the full extent of the disability at that stage.
VA exam form (DBQ) for this condition:
If your service meets the rules below, VA presumes this condition is connected to it.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
