The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for epidermoid carcinoma of the base of the tongue, scar tissue around neck artery and residuals of a stroke as secondary to treatment for cancer of the base of the tongue, respiratory disorder including COPD, and heart disorder including pacemaker implantation and hypertension. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were related to service or herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service records showed no manifestations, treatment, or diagnosis of any kind of tumor or cancer, respiratory abnormalities, or cardiovascular disorder during service. There was also no positive association between herbicide exposure and the claimed disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- epidermoid carcinoma of the base of the tongue, scar tissue around neck artery and residuals of a stroke, respiratory disorder, to include COPD, heart disorder, to include pacemaker implantation and hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2008
- Citation
- 0830882
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 0830882.
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).
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