Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
GrantedPACT Act

The Veteran's service-connected GIST tumor led to the removal of his spleen and pancreas tail, warranting secondary service connection for their residuals. The Board also found presumptive service connection for the GIST tumor due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection was denied for sinus disorder, skin cancer, and sleep apnea as these conditions were not shown to be related to active service.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's GIST tumor caused his spleen and pancreas tail to be removed, leading to secondary service connection for their residuals. The Board found presumptive service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange.

Claimed conditions
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), Splenectomy Residuals, Resection of Tail of Pancreas Residuals, Sinus Disorder, Sleep Apnea, Skin Cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma)
How they argued it
Presumptive (no nexus needed)
Exposure basis
Agent Orange / herbicides
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
July 15, 2009
Citation
0926356

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 0926356.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.

What you can do next

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.