A regional lymph node was negative for tumor. Following discharge from the hospital, he had an evaluation for possible carcinoma e!sewhere, and this was nonrevealing. He did relatively well following discharge until March 1969, when he was seen in the clinic with complaint of a tump in the region of the right trapezius muscle. He was hospitalized in March 1969 for evaluation of this mass. At this time, a chest X-ray showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules consistent with metastatic carcinoma. A brain scan showeda lesion in the right parieto-occipital area adjacent to the midline. During the period of hospitalization in May 1969, physical examination revealed a hard, firm mass beneath the right trapezius muscle, Chest X-ray disclosed multiple metastatic lesions, with areas of pneumonitis. During hospitalization his mental status and overall condition progressively and quickly deteriorated. His downhill course continued and he expired. Final diagnoses were carcinoma, metastatic, brain; carcinoma, metastatic, multiple, both lung fields, with probably primary site lung; and pneumonitis, superimposed. Findings of the BVA and Basis for Decision: In finding that the veteran’s carcinoma was not incurred in or aggravated in service the Board said in pertinent part: ... It is not shown that the carcinoma, diagnosed many years after discharge from service, was present in service or manifested itself within one year following wartime service for the purposes of presumptive service connection. The many studies made as to causes of bronchogenic carcinoma have not identified any specific agent, bacterial, chemical, or other factors, Under known medical principles on the present facts,it would be entirely speculative to hold that exposure to radiation in service had a direct causal relationship to the malignant disease of the lungs. CASE NO. 17 Type of Injury: Acute Myelocytic Leukemia BVA's Decision: Denial Affirmed. Date of Decision: 1968. Appellant's Allegation: That the leukemia which resulted in veteran’s death was caused by excessive radiation to which he was exposed while participating in atomic tests. Facts: In July 1946 veteran was a member of a submarine crew which participated in atomic tests at Bikini Atoll on July | and July 25. He was sent to San Diego Naval Station on September 13, 1946 for an examination. The examination reflected that available records failed to reveal any dosage received by veteran other than that incident to medical or diagnostic procedures. Veteran retired in 1953 and died June 8, 1966 from bronchopneumonia due to acute myelocytic leukemia of 3-4 months duration. The appellant stated that following veteran’s return from service, the veteran had no desire for sex, complained constantly about being tired, suffered with severe hoarseness of throat, and had “aching bones” complaints which he thought wasarthritis. She said he saw Navy doctors many times but was always given vitamins. She submitted a copy of a newspaper item to the effect that lung cancer among miners exposed to uranium radiation takes 20 years to develop. She cited a Department of Defense textbook to the effect that, “There are a number of consequences of nuclear radiation which may not appear for some years after exposure. Among them, apart from genetic effects, are the formation of cataracts, nonspecific life-shortening, leukemia, and other forms of malignant disease ...”’ Medical Evidence: The report of terminal hospitalization from April 21, to June 8, 1966 contains the following information: System Review: The patient complained of intermittent epigastric distress described as a burning sensation and relieved with antacids and meals. Ten months prior to admission he had an episode of bright red bleeding, rectally. Upper GI series and proctosigmoidoscopy were reportedly negative. The patient was treated with Maalox and told he had bleeding hemorrhoids and gastritis. Present Iliness: The patient was in good health until 2 months prior to admission, when he noted gradual onset of progressive fatigue, lack of 58 59