The veteran's tonsillar carcinoma, presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, was granted service connection. His high frequency hearing loss remains service-connected with a rating of 0%.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's tonsillar carcinoma was causally related to his exposure to herbicides during service and thus granted service connection based on presumptive exposure under Agent Orange regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- tonsillar carcinoma, high frequency hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- February 16, 2005
- Citation
- 0504402
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 0504402.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need the regular aid and assistance of another person, qualifying for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to SMC by reason of housebound status is moot as a result.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for a new examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right ear disability. The effective date remains pending as it is based on when the increase in disability can be determined.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU based on extraschedular consideration.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for payment of full VA disability compensation benefits while incarcerated is denied due to his incarceration for a felony conviction, which disqualifies him from receiving higher compensation rates.
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.