The Board denied service connection for metastatic neck cancer as it was not shown that the primary site of the carcinoma was in the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea and there is no evidence that the cancer is otherwise related to herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The AFIP opinion concluded that if the primary site was conclusively determined to be located in the tonsil, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether there is an association between exposure to herbicides and tonsil cancer. The Board found this conclusion more persuasive than other medical opinions provided.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic neck cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0902026
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.