The Veteran died from metastatic colorectal cancer, which is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was caused by his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's opinion supported the original death certificate and found that the cause of death was metastatic colorectal cancer, not lung cancer. The Veteran had no history of colorectal cancer in service records, and there is no evidence linking it to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic adenocarcinoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 26, 2018
- Citation
- 1825797
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 1825797.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for metastatic colorectal cancer and lung cancer due to deficiencies in the AOJ's duty-to-assist, including failure to obtain complete service treatment records and an adequate VA medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death before a Board decision could be made.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for metastatic colorectal cancer, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his active duty service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his exposure to asbestos during active duty was a contributing factor.
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