The Board has granted service connection for glioblastoma due to in-service exposure to Agent Orange, but the claims for a temporary total rating and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status are remanded.
The deciding factor: Service connection was granted because the Veteran's glioblastoma is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also noted that more studies are needed to establish a causal link between Agent Orange exposure and glioblastoma, but concluded that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- glioblastoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20052549
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 20052549.
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: Granted
The Veteran's cause of death, glioblastoma, is determined to be due to his in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's glioblastoma, which resulted in his death, is found to be at least as likely as not caused by in-service exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's glioblastoma is not related to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's glioblastoma, which was not service-connected, is found to be a principal cause of his death. The Board finds the evidence supports a connection between the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and development of his glioblastoma.
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.