The Board has decided to remand this case due to the need for a clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s squamous cell carcinoma and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw are related to service, including exposure to lead, asbestos, or herbicide agents.
The deciding factor: The previous medical opinion did not use the appropriate standard (at least as likely as not) in determining if there is a link between the Veteran's conditions and his service.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, osteoradionecrosis of the jaw
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2019
- Citation
- 19183917
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of February 1, 2021, for the award of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and related disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and assigned a 20 percent evaluation, but denied service connection for osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, neurocognitive disorder with Alzheimer's, hypertension, and TDIU.
- Granted
The veteran's claim for service connection of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is granted. The decision was based on evidence showing that the cancer is related to in-service exposures to Agent Orange and asbestos.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and its secondary conditions, but dismissed the appeal for other issues due to withdrawal by the Veteran.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.