The Veteran's esophagus cancer is remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the likely etiology of the condition, given his in-service exposure to herbicides.
The deciding factor: The esophagus cancer was not one of the diseases for which presumptive service connection is warranted due to in-service herbicide exposure. However, the Veteran's presumed exposure and a private physician's opinion support the need for an examination.
- Claimed conditions
- esophagus cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20056026
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 20056026.
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 case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and potential toxic exposure risk activities (TERA). The Veteran's private treatment records from Sentara Careplex Hospital need to be obtained, and a medical opinion is needed to determine if esophagus cancer and sepsis are related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for mouth, throat, and esophagus cancer based on an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence indicating the cancers were incurred in service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's esophagus cancer is related to his service, specifically his exposure to herbicide agents and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The examiner must provide an opinion on this matter.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's esophagus cancer and right shoulder condition were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within a presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established. The claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a right shoulder condition was remanded due to new evidence submitted by the appellant.
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