The Veteran's cancer of the tonsil manifested decades after service, there is no dose estimate from a 'credible source' showing in-service exposure to ionizing radiation, and there is no competent and credible evidence linking his disorder to service.
The deciding factor: There was no documented in-service exposure to ionizing radiation or any other form of radiation risk activity. The Veteran's cancer developed decades after service without any link to service or known risk factors.
- Claimed conditions
- cancer of the tonsil
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2014
- Citation
- 1449377
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 1449377.
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 was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period beginning October 6, 2014.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the tonsil is being remanded due to insufficient verification of his exposure to Agent Orange while stationed at Fort Ord, California. The Board will attempt to verify whether he was exposed to herbicide agents during his service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran is seeking service connection for cancer of the tonsil, claiming exposure to Agent Orange while stationed at Fort Ord. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of his claimed herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the tonsil is being remanded due to a lack of verification regarding his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board will attempt to verify whether he was exposed while stationed at Fort Ord and cleaning equipment from Vietnam.
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.