The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous carcinoma of the tonsil, claimed as oropharynx cancer, finding that it did not manifest during service and is unrelated to service. The decision also noted conflicting opinions regarding whether exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam may have contributed to the development of the condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's squamous carcinoma of the tonsil to his military service, including any potential link to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous carcinoma of the tonsil, oropharynx cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20033707
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 20033707.
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: Granted
The Board has determined that new evidence supports the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for oropharynx cancer, and finds that exposure to PFOS and PFAS during active duty is at least as likely as not related to the development of the Veteran's oropharynx cancer. Service connection is therefore granted.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for scars resulting from surgery for malignant melanoma incurred during active duty service and remanded the other claims for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The appeal concerning compensation for service-connected oropharynx cancer is remanded because the VA did not provide an audit of payments. The Board will consider new evidence in the future.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as they significantly restrict his movements, impair his ability to focus on work tasks, and cause frequent bathroom breaks.
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