The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to his military service, particularly his presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The cause of death was colorectal cancer, which is not included on the list of diseases presumptively associated with Agent Orange exposure but there is evidence suggesting a direct relationship.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's terminal colorectal cancer is more likely than not related to his military service and especially to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Appellant-widow.
- Claimed conditions
- colorectal cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1600572
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 1600572.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Dismissed
Your appeal has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of your appeal. As a result, no decision can be made on your claims.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for colorectal cancer, a disability rating more than 60 percent for nephrosclerosis associated with type II diabetes mellitus, TDIU, and an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's colorectal cancer is granted on a direct basis. The Board has also remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his GI disorders, including diverticulitis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a duty to assist error, requiring further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed colorectal disorder.
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