The Board found that the Veteran's squamous cell cancer of the tonsil did not manifest in service and was unrelated to any disease, injury or event in service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The opinion from a medical specialist concluded that the Veteran's head and neck cancer is more likely related to his history of smoking and alcohol abuse rather than Agent Orange exposure.
The deciding factor: The medical expert found no evidence linking squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil to Agent Orange exposure, citing relevant literature and the Veteran's documented history of tobacco and alcohol use as risk factors for head and neck cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell cancer of the tonsil, partial pharyngectomy, partial tongue-based resection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1743447
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 1743447.
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 Veteran's partial pharyngectomy is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The case is remanded for further development regarding a separate rating for hoarseness, dry mouth, and vocal cord pain due to speaking, as well as consideration of TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran's squamous cell cancer of the tonsil is related to his service exposure to Agent Orange, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on both his TDIU claim and the severance of service connection for oropharyngeal cancer. The RO must obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct a VA examination to assess hearing impairment and PTSD impact on employment, and again review his TDIU claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for tonsil cancer due to Agent Orange exposure is being remanded as the RO needs to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity.
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