The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil with metastasis to the right cervical lymph nodes is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service. His renal insufficiency is also not service-connected as secondary to his treatment for tonsillar cancer, as there is no direct service connection established.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma and renal insufficiency are not linked to his active duty service or herbicide exposure therein.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil with metastasis to the right cervical lymph nodes, renal insufficiency
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 11, 2016
- Citation
- 1605329
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 1605329.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining evidence and medical opinions related to the Veteran's reported exposures during service and their potential impact on his claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal regarding the timeliness of a Higher-Level Review request for service connection for renal insufficiency is dismissed as moot.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him wheelchair bound and in need of nursing home care, regular aid and attendance to prepare his meals, assist with bathing and hygiene needs, and manage medication. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance but dismissed the claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate as moot.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
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