The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by cancer of the base of the tongue, which is presumed to be due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's cancer of the base of the tongue was caused by his exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, during his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- cancer of the base of the tongue
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 11, 2017
- Citation
- 1726276
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 1726276.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for throat cancer, including cancer of the base of the tongue and neck, is being remanded due to his failure to report for a VA examination. The issue will be reconsidered after scheduling another examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for throat cancer, including cancer of the base of the tongue and neck, is being remanded due to a need for additional development. The issue will be reconsidered after further examination and review.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the issue of service connection for cancer of the base of the tongue, with metastasis to the lymph node.
- Partly granted
The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for tongue cancer, claimed as larynx cancer, due to presumed exposure to herbicides. However, the claim remains denied because there is no evidence of a current disability or that it was incurred in service.
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.