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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0926356.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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