The Board found no service connection for the cause of death due to a service-connected disability, and there was no evidence linking Agent Orange exposure to the veteran's cancer. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.
The deciding factor: There was no medical evidence linking the veteran's fatal cancer to his military service or to any service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the head
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 4, 2002
- Citation
- 0211253
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 0211253.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a 100% evaluation for his service-connected NHL, and there are no other disabilities independently rated at 60% or more. Additionally, the evidence does not show that he requires aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for sebaceous carcinoma of the head and squamous cell carcinoma of the head have been granted due to the PACT Act, which establishes presumptive service connection based on in-service exposure. The rating assigned has not yet been determined.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for cause of death due to lack of evidence showing a link between the Veteran's service and his disabilities that caused or contributed substantially to his death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the head is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional records.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.