Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise and service connection for throat cancer, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the left tongue with metastases to the left jugulodigastric lymph node(s), to include as due to asbestos exposure, is granted.

The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence regarding the relative impact of the Veteran's smoking versus exposure to asbestos in the development of the Veteran's current cancer disability and thus the evidence is at least in equipoise.

Claimed conditions
squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the left tongue with metastases to the left jugulodigastric lymph node(s)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
January 16, 2018
Citation
1803017

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 1803017.

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.

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.