The Board found that the reduction in the rating for partial left hemilaryngectomy, residual of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx from 100% to 30%, effective October 1, 2003, was proper. The Veteran's disability is now rated at 50% since November 29, 2005.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating was based on a reexamination and treatment records showing material improvement with no recurrence of cancer or further need for a breathing tube.
- Claimed conditions
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 15, 2013
- Citation
- 1326020
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 1326020.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and DEA benefits, finding no evidence supporting a causal link between the Veteran's metastatic adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and his military service.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to head and neck cancer, but his service-connected laryngeal cancer and basal cell carcinoma of the lower lip were not considered contributory causes. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure or environmental toxin exposure during service that could support a presumption of service connection for his cancers.
- Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The denial is based on a lack of verified stressor for PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish service connection for squamous cell carcinoma.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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.