Pipe smoking

Alzheimer-type dementia - Pipe smoking Factor

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

• the quantity smoked (ascertain tobacco smoked per week in grams or ounces; 1 ounce = 28 grams);
• 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.

NB  The SOP factor dealing with pipe smoking covers only the smoking of tobacco.  It does not include non-tobacco products such as marijuana or hashish.  This is because the RMA SOP factors refer to "cigarettes or the equivalent thereof in other tobacco products".

Last reviewed for CCPS 16 September 2011.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [41440]

41862  there is some evidence that pipe smoking may be a factor in the development of Alzheimer-type dementia.

4880     the veteran has ever smoked pipe tobacco.

41458  the veteran has established the causal connection between the pipe smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

41459   the veteran has established the causal connection between the pipe smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

or

41460   the veteran has established the causal connection between the pipe smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

Clinical onset and operational service [41459]

41534  the veteran had smoked at least 20 pack-years of pipe tobacco before the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia and, where smoking has ceased, the clinical onset occurred within five years of cessation.

4911     the veteran has some period or periods of pipe smoking that are causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [41460]

41534  the veteran had smoked at least 20 pack-years of pipe tobacco before the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia and, where smoking has ceased, the clinical onset occurred within five years of cessation.

4913     the veteran has some period or periods of pipe smoking that are causally related to eligible service.