The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for colon cancer, atrial fibrillation, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and low back condition due to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The VA examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service or his conceded exposure to Agent Orange.
The deciding factor: The Board found that a medical opinion is necessary to determine the relation of the Veteran’s claimed conditions to his herbicide exposure, including diabetes mellitus for which he was receiving treatment.
- Claimed conditions
- colon cancer, atrial fibrillation, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, lower back injury
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20012379
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 20012379.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's exposure to mercury in dental amalgams and asbestos during service. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if these exposures are related to his claimed disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning earlier effective dates for service connection and disability ratings has been dismissed.,No new evidence or arguments were provided to support the claims.
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