The VA denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, finding that there was no evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or any other in-service injury.
The deciding factor: The medical opinion concluded that HPV was more likely than not the cause of the appellant's squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, and there is no evidence supporting a link between herbicide agent exposure and this type of cancer.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20066744
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, effective April 9, 2021.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, as there was no evidence to support a direct link between the condition and the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for service connection of squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil is remanded. The Board needs more medical evidence to determine if the condition is related to in-service herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil as it was not shown to be related to the appellant's period of active duty, including any exposure to herbicides.
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