Malignant tumor of the stomach (gastric carcinoma)
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.
During active disease and treatment, evidence that confirms the diagnosis and documents ongoing treatment supports the 100 percent rating. This includes pathology reports, biopsy results, imaging studies, operative reports, chemotherapy or radiation records, and treating physician notes that show the cancer is present or that a therapeutic course is underway or recently ended.
After treatment ends, the six-month mandatory VA examination becomes the key evidence event. At that exam, findings about whether the cancer has recurred or metastasized are central. If no recurrence or metastasis is found, records documenting residual disabilities — such as digestive dysfunction, weight loss, pain, or other lasting effects — become important. Notes from gastroenterologists, oncologists, or primary care providers describing your current functional status are relevant. Statements from you or people who know you, describing how remaining symptoms affect eating, daily activities, and work, can help show the severity of those residuals.
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.
