The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a brain tumor and its residuals, finding that there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition aggravated by service or any link to in-service exposure to burn pits. The Veteran's current brain tumor is considered to have been present at the time of his military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran’s brain tumor existed prior to service, and concluded that there was insufficient medical evidence to support a finding of pre-existing condition aggravated by service or causation due to in-service exposure to burn pits.
- Claimed conditions
- Brain Tumor, Residuals of partial left front resection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2021
- Citation
- 21004528
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 21004528.
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
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The Board has determined that the VA decision on eligibility for PCAFC benefits was legally inadequate and remanded to allow for a more thorough review of the Veteran's specific circumstances, including his need for supervision and assistance with ADLs.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's brain tumor is service-connected based on direct evidence linking his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation, which caused his condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for PTSD, brain tumor, and headaches have been granted. The service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left wrist disability, and right wrist disability are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
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