The veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange in service. However, a VA examination is needed to determine if this condition is etiologically related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx is presumed due to his exposure to herbicides in service (Agent Orange). A VA examination is required to establish whether it is at least as likely as not caused by his service.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2008
- Citation
- 0823548
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 0823548.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Dismissed
The claims for service connection and TDIU from April 1, 2015 have been granted by a VA rating decision dated April 2020. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to lack of jurisdiction as the claims are moot.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board previously denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. The Court remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases provided by the Board regarding the potential link between in-service herbicide exposure and the cancer.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to a need for further medical examination regarding his squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, which is a metastasis of primary laryngeal cancer. Given his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam and the presumption of service connection for respiratory cancers associated with herbicide exposure, the cause of death is presumed related to service.
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