Cigarette smoking

Malignant neoplasm of the bladder - Cigarette smoking Factor

This factor deals with the personal use of cigarettes ie it does not include passive smoking.

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

·   the quantity smoked (either tailor-made cigarettes per day or hand-rolled cigarettes in ounces per week or a combination of both);

·   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.

INVESTIGATIVE DOCUMENTS

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [3496]

5803     the veteran has ever smoked cigarettes.

11766  the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigarette smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the bladder.

4031     the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigarette smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the bladder.

or

11767   the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigarette smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the bladder.

CLINICAL ONSET AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [4031]

11768  the veteran smoked at least 2.5 pack years of cigarettes before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

3116     the veteran has some period or periods of cigarette smoking that are causally related to operational service.

CLINICAL ONSET AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [11767]

11769  the veteran smoked at least 5 pack years of cigarettes before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

3521     the veteran has some period or periods of cigarette smoking that are causally related to eligible service.