The veteran seeks service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, which he claims is due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The RO has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. However, there is no indication that a VA examiner has been asked to render an opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma and whether it was related to his exposure to Agent Orange.
The deciding factor: The Board believes that a VA examination should be conducted to determine the primary site of the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2006
- Citation
- 0609204
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of February 1, 2021, for the award of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and related disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and assigned a 20 percent evaluation, but denied service connection for osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, neurocognitive disorder with Alzheimer's, hypertension, and TDIU.
- Granted
The veteran's claim for service connection of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is granted. The decision was based on evidence showing that the cancer is related to in-service exposures to Agent Orange and asbestos.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and its secondary conditions, but dismissed the appeal for other issues due to withdrawal by the Veteran.
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