The Veteran's death was caused by recurrent nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis to the brain, which is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. As a result, the appellant is entitled to DIC benefits.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence supports a link between the Veteran's terminal cancer and his in-service exposure to Agent Orange, meeting the criteria for service connection under presumptive provisions.
- Claimed conditions
- nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, brain cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2016
- Citation
- 1607970
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 1607970.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for liver cancer, lung cancer, and brain cancer due to procedural errors in obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lung cancer.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's death was caused by brain cancer and respiratory failure, which the VA medical examiner concluded were not related to his service. The Board found no evidence of asbestos or ionizing radiation exposure causing these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's brain cancer is granted service connection due to the PACT Act presumption of exposure. His TBI and jaw disability claims are denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases of prostate cancer, brain cancer, and erectile dysfunction (ED) for further development due to inadequate VA opinions.
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