The Veteran's service connection claim for renal cell carcinoma due to toxic herbicide exposure is being remanded as the evidence indicates a possible link between his active duty service and the development of the cancer, despite it not being among the diseases eligible for presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicides.
The deciding factor: The medical literature suggests a potential connection between herbicide exposure during service and renal cell carcinoma development, warranting further examination to determine etiology.
- Claimed conditions
- renal cell carcinoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2018
- Citation
- 18141906
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 18141906.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for renal cell carcinoma and malignant neoplasm of the lung, secondary to renal cell carcinoma, due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and her military service.
- Granted
The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected renal cell carcinoma.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for renal cell carcinoma, finding that it was due to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.
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.