The Board finds that the Veteran's right tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma did not begin during his active duty service and is not presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The evidence does not support a finding of continuous symptomatology prior to separation from service, nor does it establish a direct link between the cancer and military service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms began in 1997, well after his separation from active duty service in 1990. There is no credible evidence that he experienced throat symptoms or a tumor prior to this time. The Board finds the opinion of the VA examiner more probative regarding the timing and onset of the cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- right tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1405989
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 1405989.
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 claim for service connection for right tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the cancer is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, granting service connection.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted. The appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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