The Veteran is seeking service connection for mouth or jaw cancer, which he believes was caused by his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The case has been remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the condition.
The deciding factor: A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current diagnosis of ameloblastoma had its onset during service, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
- Claimed conditions
- mouth or jaw cancer, ameloblastoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2017
- Citation
- 1740019
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 1740019.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's ameloblastoma, finding that it is related to his in-service herbicide agent exposure. The decision is based on a balance of probative medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's ameloblastoma and OSA were not service-connected, with the decision on ameloblastoma being denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service or radiation exposure. The case is remanded for further development regarding OSA.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for ameloblastoma of the right mandible and awarded a temporary total rating based on convalescence following surgery. The appeal is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's ameloblastoma. The RO is instructed to obtain an independent medical opinion from an oral surgeon or oral pathologist.
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.