Berylliosis

Malignant neoplasm of the lung - Berylliosis Factor

RMA definition

The RMA defines berylliosis (synonymous with chronic beryllium disease) to mean ‘a granulomatous disease usually involving the lungs, but which may involve the skin or other structures, and is induced by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to beryllium fumes’.

General information

Berylliosis is a chronic granulomatous pneumoconiosis (inflammation of the lungs).  It is caused by the inhalation of beryllium fumes or dust.  The disease may take many years of exposure to develop.  Beryllium exposure may also result in an acute chemical pneumonitis - this is not berylliosis.

The diagnosis of berylliosis is difficult because the clinical picture and lung pathology are very similar to lung disease from a number of other causes (sarcoidosis, other hypersensitivity pneumonitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis).  Diagnosis requires a history of exposure, evidence of sensitivity to beryllium on blood or bronchoalveolar lavage testing and compatible lung pathology.

Last reviewed for CCPS 18 July 2007.

Preliminary questions [36257]

36263 there is some evidence that berylliosis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

36264 the veteran has had berylliosis at some time.

36265 the veteran had berylliosis at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

36266  the veteran has established the causal connection between berylliosis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

36267   the veteran has established the causal connection between berylliosis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

or

36268   the veteran has established the causal connection between berylliosis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.

Clinical onset and operational service [36267]

36269  the berylliosis is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [36268]

36270  the berylliosis is causally related to eligible service.