Cigar smoking

Alzheimer-type dementia - Cigar smoking Factor

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 16 September 2011.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [41439]

41861  there is some evidence that cigar smoking may be a factor in the development of Alzheimer-type dementia.

4915     the veteran has ever smoked cigars.

41454  the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

41455   the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

or

41456   the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

Clinical onset and operational service [41455]

41533  the veteran had smoked at least 20 pack-years of cigars before the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia and, where smoking has ceased, the clinical onset occurred within five years of cessation.

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

Clinical onset and eligible service [41456]

41533  the veteran had smoked at least 20 pack-years of cigars before the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia and, where smoking has ceased, the clinical onset occurred within five years of cessation.

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