Silicosis

Malignant neoplasm of the lung - Silicosis Factor

Silicosis is a group of lung diseases that develop following the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, the principle component of sandstone and other rocks.

Silicosis is diagnosed from characteristic chest x-ray changes (multiple small, rounded or regular opacities), and a history of exposure to free silica. Depending on the type, silicosis may be symptomless or may give rise to shortness of breath on exertion and reduced exercise tolerance.

Anyone who is exposed to crystalline silica is susceptible to developing silicosis. However, silicosis typically affects workers in specific professions. Among these are construction workers, sandblasters, quarry workers, rock drillers, foundry workers, railroad workers, concrete blasters and cutters, brick masons, pottery workers, ship workers, miners, glass workers, and welders. These workers are at the highest risk for silicosis because freshly cracked, split, or fractured silica-based materials release high concentrations of airborne dust.

In the construction industry, jobs that can expose workers to hazardous crystalline silica dust include jack hammering, concrete block cutting and sawing, rock drilling and transportation, concrete mixing, tunnelling, and repairing linings of rotary kilns and cupola furnaces.

Sandblasters also have a high risk of silica dust exposure. Specific tasks include blasting irregularities from foundry castings, putting a finish on harmful materials, etching glass, and removing materials like rust or dirt from objects that are to be repainted or treated.

Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations

Note:  You will need information as to the type of silicosis to correctly identify if the condition is covered by a SoP or not.

• If the silicosis is acute this is a non-SoP condition (use ICD 502.0).
• If the silicosis is chronic or due to talc this is covered by the SoP for fibrosing interstitial lung disease (use ICD 502.1 or 502.2).

Last reviewed for CCPS 18 July 2007.

Preliminary questions [31726]

31727 there is some evidence that silicosis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

31728 the veteran has had silicosis at some time.

41372  the veteran's silicosis is an illness or injury which is identifiable.

31729 the veteran had the identified illness or injury, a type of silicosis, at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

31730  the veteran has established the causal connection between silicosis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

31731   the veteran has established the causal connection between silicosis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

or

31732   the veteran has established the causal connection between silicosis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

Clinical onset and operational service [31731]

31733  the identified illness or injury, a type of silicosis, is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [31732]

31734  the identified illness or injury, a type of silicosis, is causally related to eligible service.