The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue, finding that it is more likely than not related to exposure to toxins at Camp LeJeune during active duty.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence established a link between the Veteran's cancer and his exposure to carcinogens at Camp LeJeune, with Dr. King providing expert opinions supporting this connection.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 10, 2020
- Citation
- A20016748
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 A20016748.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 has remanded the case due to the need for an opinion regarding the causal relationship between the Veteran's cancers and his herbicide agent exposure in service, as well as the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue was not incurred or aggravated during service, and the Board denied service connection as there is no evidence linking it to his time at Camp Lejeune.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tongue cancer is related to his in-service herbicide exposure and service connection for the condition has been granted.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.