Cigar smoking

If there is a history of cigar smoking it will be necessary to obtain information about:

• the quantity smoked (the number of cigars smoked per week);
• when this took place; and
• the reasons for smoking.

The evidence gathered should be as complete and accurate as possible.  Information already held in departmental files, eg in previous statements and clinical notes, should not be overlooked.  Conflicting evidence should be resolved.

Before a causal link between a smoking habit and service may be established, consideration must be given to Repatriation Commission Guideline CM5030 - Guideline for claims assessors on smoking and alcohol related conditions and military service.

Last reviewed for CCPS 26 August 2004.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [9829]

22889 there is some evidence that cigar smoking may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

4915     the veteran has ever smoked cigars.

13794  the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

13795   the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

or

13796   the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.

Clinical onset and operational service [13795]

32272 the veteran has smoked at least 15 pack years of cigars before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration and, where smoking has ceased, the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred within 30 years of cessation.

32273 the veteran's service related cigar smoking commenced at least 20 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

4921     the veteran has some period or periods of cigar smoking that are causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [13796]

32274 the veteran has smoked at least 25 pack years of cigars before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration and, where smoking has ceased, the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred within 15 years of cessation.

32275 the veteran's service related cigar smoking commenced at least 35 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

4922     the veteran has some period or periods of cigar smoking that are causally related to eligible service.