Lung, bronchus, or trachea cancer

During active disease and treatment, the diagnosis itself drives the 100 percent rating, so pathology reports, biopsy results, imaging studies such as CT or PET scans, and oncology records confirming the malignancy are the core evidence.

Once treatment ends, VA will conduct a mandatory examination around the six-month mark. Records showing whether the cancer has recurred or spread — follow-up imaging, oncology notes, and lab results — are central at that stage. If no recurrence or metastasis is found, your rating shifts to residuals, so pulmonary function test results, pulmonologist notes, and radiology reports documenting lasting damage to lung tissue become relevant.

Statements from you or people who know you describing how breathing problems, fatigue, or other lasting effects limit your work and daily activities can help show the severity of any residuals at that examination.