The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for soft palate oral cancer and a dental disability, both related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional development is needed due to the Veteran's assertions of service connection based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam, which may affect the nature and etiology of his oral cancer and dental disability.
- Claimed conditions
- soft palate oral cancer, dental disability
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20044621
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 20044621.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete records, including SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran's right knee tendinopathy, tendinitis is not rated higher than 10 percent.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and a need to obtain more information from the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's oropharyngeal cancer with soft palate reconstruction is granted service connection, and the claim for a dental disability secondary to this condition is remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and the Board is dismissing the case.
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