The Board finds that the veteran's chronic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which caused his death, was substantially or combined with another disorder to cause death. The appellant presented evidence showing that the veteran used tobacco products during service, developed nicotine dependence, and continued using tobacco post-service, contributing to his cancer.
The deciding factor: The veteran's chronic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck was found to be caused by nicotine dependence, which began in service and persisted post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 21, 2000
- Citation
- 0001805
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0001805.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Granted
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any related exposure.
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