The Board denied service connection for a left lower jaw disability and stomach and colon disability, finding that the pre-existing tumor did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to its rapid growth during service. Service connection was also denied for a stomach and colon disability as secondary to the jaw disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's pre-existing left lower jaw tumor grew rapidly during service, preventing timely surgical intervention which aggravated the condition beyond natural progression.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower jaw tumor, stomach and colon disability
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1645889
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1645889.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's stomach and colon disability is secondary to his service-connected lower jaw disability, but needs further clarification from a medical examiner.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete service records and notification issues. The stomach and colon disability claim is also being deferred until the lower jaw disability claim is resolved.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties mandated under the VCAA. The case is REMANDED for the following: (1) Secure complete clinical records of all treatment and evaluation from Dr. Jacobs; (2) Review the record, ensure all development sought is completed, and readjudicate the claims on appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including securing private dental records and rescheduling the Veteran for a VA examination. The lower jaw disability claim will be readjudicated first, followed by the stomach and colon disability claim.
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