The Veteran is seeking service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, which he claims is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board has determined that an examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence indicates that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in service, but cancer of the tonsil is not a condition presumed to be caused by such exposure. However, laryngeal cancer is a condition presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, laryngeal cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0917065
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 0917065.
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: Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has been granted an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the left lower extremity.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has also been granted an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the right lower extremity.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and laryngeal cancer are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil is granted service connection due to herbicide exposure during service. The cause of death, metastatic head cancer, is also granted as it was a contributory cause.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion and consideration of prior service. The claim for service connection for cause of death is being reconsidered.
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