The Board has determined that the Veteran's death from squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil was not caused or aggravated by service-connected conditions, including exposure to asbestos or toxic chemicals in service. The appellant's claims for service connection are denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's cancer and subsequent death were caused or aggravated by his service, particularly given his long history of smoking which is considered the primary risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2012
- Citation
- 1237642
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1237642.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, finding that there was no evidence linking the cancer to his military service or toxic exposures.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's active duty service. The claimant's significant exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is considered relevant evidence.
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