The Board finds that the Veteran's in-service radiation exposure was higher than previously documented, and this increased exposure is considered to be a substantial factor contributing to his death from colon cancer. The cause of death is therefore service-connected.
The deciding factor: Competent lay evidence suggests higher levels of in-service radiation exposure compared to what is recorded on the Veteran's DD Form 1141, which undermines negative nexus opinions based solely on the documented totals.
- Claimed conditions
- Colon cancer
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Ionizing radiation
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2012
- Citation
- 1241545
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 1241545.
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
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected colon cancer disability, finding that there is inadequate evidence to support a compensable rating prior to March 23, 2021 and no increase in rating thereafter.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer has been granted due to new and relevant evidence received since the previous denial. The Board finds that the Veteran's current disability is a condition that had its onset during his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of colon cancer is granted, with a new rating of 30 percent effective December 1, 2024. The claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for two painful scars and for compensable ratings for four remaining scars are denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically concerning his bladder cancer and other cancers allegedly caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
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