The Board denied service connection for metastatic adenocarcinoma, finding no evidence of its onset during service or causation related to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran was granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.,SMC due to housebound status was denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Board concluded that metastatic adenocarcinoma had no causal link to service or herbicide exposure, and thus could not be granted service connection. The need for regular aid and attendance was established based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.,SMC due to housebound status was denied because the Veteran did not have a single 100% rated disability and was not permanently confined to his dwelling.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic adenocarcinoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21004116
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 21004116.
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 Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his exposure to asbestos during active duty was a contributing factor.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's metastatic adenocarcinoma is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an open medical question regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes was a contributory factor in his death, and for obtaining an opinion from an oncologist on this issue.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in its decision and the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's alcohol use disorder and service-connected disabilities.
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.