The Veteran's oropharynx cancer is related to his service, specifically to his in-service herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. The Board finds that the most probative evidence supports a finding that the Veteran’s current oropharynx cancer is related to service.
The deciding factor: The private medical opinion provided by Dr. G.M. supported the relationship between the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure and his oropharynx cancer, which was based on her treatment of the Veteran for many years with oropharynx cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- oropharynx cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18126740
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18126740.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that new evidence supports the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for oropharynx cancer, and finds that exposure to PFOS and PFAS during active duty is at least as likely as not related to the development of the Veteran's oropharynx cancer. Service connection is therefore granted.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for scars resulting from surgery for malignant melanoma incurred during active duty service and remanded the other claims for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The appeal concerning compensation for service-connected oropharynx cancer is remanded because the VA did not provide an audit of payments. The Board will consider new evidence in the future.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as they significantly restrict his movements, impair his ability to focus on work tasks, and cause frequent bathroom breaks.
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