The VA disability rating for active breast cancer is 100% and continues 6 months after treatment until the veteran is reexamined. All ongoing related disabilities after remission then receive their own VA disability ratings. In addition, women veterans who have undergone a mastectomy or partial mastectomy after breast cancer treatment are eligible for special monthly compensation.
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In this article about VA ratings for breast cancer
Breast cancer in the U.S.
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women in the U.S. It is second only to skin cancer diagnoses.
In addition, veterans are at increased risk for breast cancer. If you are a veteran with breast cancer, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation benefits rated at 100%.
Breast cancer is caused when normal cells within the breast begin to divide rapidly and accumulate. Breast cancer may start in several different areas of the breast. It can also expand to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph vessels.
There are several different kinds of breast cancer. However, two types of breast cancers make up most of the cases diagnosed. The first type, invasive ductal carcinoma, begins in the ducts. The second, invasive lobular carcinoma, begins in the lobules.
Breast cancer and military service
The National Cancer Institute notes that “approximately 12.9 percent of women will be diagnosed with female breast cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2016–2018 data.” In 2021, the American Cancer Society estimated that more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors are in the U.S.
There is a link between breast cancer and military service. A Walter Reed Army Medical Center study conducted in 2009 found a 19% higher risk of breast cancer for white women veterans, and black women veterans faced a 37% higher risk.
The diagnosis is also becoming more common. In 2015, five times as many women veterans between the ages of 45 and 64 received a breast cancer diagnosis than in 2000. In addition, breast cancer diagnoses doubled in patients 65 and older during the same time.
Male veterans and breast cancer
While less than 1% of those diagnosed with breast cancer are men, there is still a risk to male veterans. This is because men have both breasts and milk ducts, putting them at risk for invasive ductal carcinoma.
Some of the risk factors for breast cancer in men include family history, hormone therapy treatments, testicular conditions, liver disease, and obesity.
With the lack of awareness around breast cancer in men, they are likely to be diagnosed later than women. Because of this, diagnosed male veterans could be 33% more likely to die from breast cancer than diagnosed female veterans.
Veterans and cancer
Though a diagnosis may not come until years after a veteran’s service, the experience in the military may have caused the veteran’s cancer. Military members can be exposed to a number of cancer risks during their service.
In its 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, the CDC reported on military cancer rates. Overall, those who served in the military were 1.4 percentage points more likely to report being diagnosed with any type of cancer than those who did not serve.
Burn pits and cancer
The Military Times recently noted the increase in veterans diagnosed with breast cancer and the potential link to burn pits. Despite this observation, cancer is not currently listed among the presumptive conditions related to burn pits. However, if you spent time near burn pits as part of your service and were later diagnosed with breast cancer, you may still wish to speak with a veteran’s benefits attorney about a possible claim.
Toxic exposure, contaminated groundwater, and cancer
The U.S. military has used many toxic chemicals and substances over the decades. Unfortunately, these poisonous chemicals and substances may have caused cancer in many veterans. For example, some types of fuel, engine degreasers, benzene exposure, and cleaners used at military bases may be responsible for cancer.
Veterans can also get cancer from drinking, bathing, cooking, and washing clothes in contaminated groundwater at U.S. military bases. VA disability benefits are available to veterans who may have cancer from being exposed to toxins and chemicals in groundwater.
Possible secondary causes
Alcohol and cancer
Veterans abuse alcohol more than any other substance. More than one in ten veterans have been diagnosed with addiction.
Veterans who drink any alcohol are at increased risk of breast cancer. Women who have one drink a day see their risk increased by 7% to 10%, while women who drink two to three drinks see a 20% higher risk.
If alcohol consumption contributed to a veteran’s breast cancer diagnosis due to a primary service-connected condition, such as PTSD, the veteran could be eligible for compensation for breast cancer on a secondary basis.
Deployment sleep deprivation, night shifts, and cancer
Studies of civilian workers in night shifts or sleep-depriving situations have shown a link to cancer. Unfortunately, night shift work, and sleep deprivation, are common among deployed veterans.
Humans have an internal clock that helps the body prepare for sleep. This daily routine, or “circadian rhythm,” is supported by genes within our cells. Changes to the body’s natural clock may increase the odds of developing cancer.
When it starts getting dark at night, the body produces a hormone called melatonin, which doesn’t just support sleep–it also stops tumor growth. Veterans exposed to light during the night see a reduction in melatonin production. With less melatonin production, cancer cells can more easily spread.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Finding a lump in the breast is the most well-known symptom of breast cancer, but not all breast cancer patients will have a lump. The symptoms vary significantly by type of breast cancer and can appear and develop rapidly.
Other symptoms of breast cancer include changes in the size, shape, and look of the breast or nipple. There can also be nipple bleeding or discharge and changes in the skin around the nipple.
How does the VA rate breast cancer?
The VA rates active breast cancer at 100%. This rating continues for six months after treatment when the veteran is reexamined. In addition, all ongoing disabilities related to breast cancer contribute to the VA disability rating for cancer in remission.
The VA disability rating for a mastectomy is determined by how much tissue was removed due to the breast cancer treatment. The table below provides the rating for the different types of breast surgeries.
| Surgeries of the Breast (diagnostic code 7626) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Following a radical mastectomy “Removal of the entire breast, underlying pectoral muscles, and regional lymph nodes up to the coracoclavicular ligament.” | Both breasts: 80% One breast: 50% |
| Following a modified radical mastectomy “Removal of the entire breast and axillary lymph nodes—in continuity with the breast. Pectoral muscles are left intact.” | Both breasts: 60% One breast: 40% |
| Following a simple (or total) mastectomy “Removal of all of the breast tissue, nipple, and a small portion of the overlying skin, but lymph nodes and muscles are left intact.” | Both breasts: 50% One breast: 30% |
| Following a wide local excision with significant alteration of size or form “Removal of a portion of the breast tissue including partial mastectomy, lumpectomy, tylectomy, segmentectomy, and quadrantectomy.” | Both breasts: 50% One breast: 30% |
| Following a wide local excision without significant alteration of size or form | One or both breasts: 0% |
Women veterans are eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) “for the loss of 25% or more of tissue from a single breast or both breasts in combination (including loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy), or following receipt of radiation treatment of breast tissue.”
Filing a claim for VA cancer benefits
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will need to provide evidence to connect the diagnosis to your military service. Before submitting this paperwork, contact Woods and Woods for guidance. We never charge veterans for help filing the initial application. Our team will ensure you get your application right the first time, which means you could avoid the VA disability appeals process.
Hiring a veteran’s benefits attorney
Hiring an experienced VA disability lawyer will help you avoid delays from improperly completed paperwork. The Woods and Woods team works hard to stay on top of disability benefit changes and develops innovative case strategies. We’ve represented thousands of veterans. Our experienced team includes accomplished lawyers, caring case managers, and a knowledgeable research support team.
Contact our team, and let us help you start your application today.
Talk to Us About Your Claim: (866) 232-5777
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The VA rates active breast cancer at 100%. This rating continues for six months after treatment when the veteran is reexamined. In addition, all ongoing disabilities related to breast cancer contribute to the VA disability rating for cancer in remission.
An article in the Military Times recently noted the increase in veterans diagnosed with breast cancer and the potential link to burn pits. Despite this observation, cancer is not currently listed among the presumptive conditions related to burn pits.