The Board denied the claim for DIC benefits, finding that there was no service connection for esophageal cancer and noting that VA could not verify Vietnam service. The cause of death was attributed to cachexia-inanition due to or as a consequence of esophageal carcinoma.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence linking the veteran's death to service-connected conditions, nor did he have any service in the Republic of Vietnam during the relevant period for presumptive exposure to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- esophageal carcinoma, cachexia-inanition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 15, 2000
- Citation
- 0024669
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0024669.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for Barrett's esophagitis, GERD, and esophageal carcinoma based on the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during active service in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits due to unresolved issues regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. The case will be referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration of whether a higher effective date is warranted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a VA opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's esophageal carcinoma was caused by his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for esophageal carcinoma and related conditions due to new evidence received, including VA examinations and treatment records. The TDIU claim is also being considered.
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