The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding its etiology. The case must be returned for an adequate VA examination and opinion.
The deciding factor: Conflicting medical opinions about the cause of the Veteran's tonsil cancer have been identified, necessitating further investigation through a VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 14, 2015
- Citation
- 1534864
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1534864.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil is granted service connection due to herbicide exposure during service. The cause of death, metastatic head cancer, is also granted as it was a contributory cause.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion and consideration of prior service. The claim for service connection for cause of death is being reconsidered.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, finding that there was no evidence linking the cancer to his military service or toxic exposures.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's active duty service. The claimant's significant exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is considered relevant evidence.
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.