The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue base and cervical lymph nodes, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service or herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's disorders were less likely than not incurred in or caused by his in-service herbicide exposure, and more likely secondary to a long history of tobacco abuse.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue base, squamous cell carcinoma of the cervical lymph nodes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20041334
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 20041334.
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 Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue base is granted as service connected, and his increased disability rating for right shoulder biceps tendonitis is also granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for oral cancer is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed condition, including consideration of presumed exposure to tactical herbicides during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's post-treatment residuals of squamous cell carcinoma, including osteoradionecrosis, were found to be secondary to VA treatment and the lack of informed consent for an endotracheal intubation during a biopsy procedure. The Board granted compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
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