Liver Cancer & Remission

Question:

I have had surgery for liver cancer. I am in remission. My doctor at the transplant clinic wants me to have a transplant as I will have cancer again. The VA wants to drop my disability to 0%. What can I do to keep partial disability till the cancer returns? What disability would I have if I get the transplant?

 

Jim's Reply:

Your VA rates all service connected cancer at 100% as a temporary disability rating award. When the cancer is cured the rating can no longer be 100% for cancer since you no longer have that disease. 
 

Thus you will be rated on any remaining disabling conditions, 'residuals', left from the treatment of the cancer. I'll assume you've had a partial hepatectomy and that your doctors believe that there will be a significant chance of a return of the cancer without a transplant. The residual effects of your treatment, scarring, complications from anesthesia and any complications of the surgery itself must be accounted for in your final evaluation. Cirrhosis of the liver is a frequent complication that must be rated as a residual. This would be much the same after transplant surgery.
 

If I were you I'd begin making contact with a veterans law attorney and prepare to appeal a final rating that may be too low. In the end you should pay close attention to the doctors and follow their instructions...your health is the #1 consideration. Good luck.

 


Source URL: https://www.statesidelegal.org/liver-cancer-remission