The VA denied the veteran's claims for a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability and service connection for anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid due to radiation exposure, as there was insufficient evidence linking the cancer to his active service or radiation exposure.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence showing that the veteran's anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid was etiologically related to radiation exposure or otherwise related to his active service.
- Claimed conditions
- anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 14, 2004
- Citation
- 0425191
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 0425191.
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 Veteran's death was caused by anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid, which is service-connected as it occurred during his active duty and is not related to any exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board granted the claim for cause of death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid, as there is insufficient evidence regarding its cause and whether it was substantially or materially contributed to his death.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board is remanding the case to obtain clarification of a previous opinion and to provide an updated medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death was related to his service, specifically including exposure to non-ionizing radiation from naval radar equipment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his exposure to Agent Orange, which contributed to his development of anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid with bilateral lung metastases. The claim is granted.
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