The Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, which was rated at 100 percent disabling at the time of his death in January 2007, is considered to have contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death (liver cancer with metastasis of the larynx). The Board finds that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.
The deciding factor: The medical expert provided a report suggesting that the Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma at least as likely as not affected a vital organ, the lungs, and was of itself of a progressive or debilitating nature. This finding provides the basis for reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, liver cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2013
- Citation
- 1335540
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 1335540.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of liver cancer has been dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for liver cancer and an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for intestinal cancer, liver cancer, and a liver biopsy surgical scar as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected intestinal cancer.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for colon cancer and liver cancer is granted due to the relationship between his in-service toxic exposures, including burn pits. His liver cancer was found to be related to his now service-connected colon cancer.
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