The Board has remanded two issues: one regarding service connection for the cause of death due to herbicide exposure, and another regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the cause of death. The first issue is related to a new diagnosis of soft cell sarcoma/colon cancer, which requires obtaining medical records from private providers and VA facilities. The second issue involves sepsis resulting from a colostomy procedure at a VA facility.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's cause of death due to herbicide exposure and compensation under 1151, necessitating further investigation through obtaining medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- soft cell sarcoma, colon cancer
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18159012
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 18159012.
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 has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and its relation to service. The Veteran's atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and colon cancer are being evaluated for their relationship to toxic exposure during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for colon cancer and liver cancer is granted due to the relationship between his in-service toxic exposures, including burn pits. His liver cancer was found to be related to his now service-connected colon cancer.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding that his current diagnosis of colon cancer is related to toxic exposures in service and resolving any reasonable doubt in his favor.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnosis and his military service, including any conceded exposure to toxic substances.
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