The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach and esophageal cancer, as well as an increased rating for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, have been denied. The evidence does not support a link between the cancers or kidney condition and any exposure to herbicides or contaminated water.
The deciding factor: There is no positive evidence of record suggesting a link between the type of cancers suffered by the Veteran and the toxicants in the Camp Lejeune water, nor is there sufficient evidence linking the diabetic nephropathy with hypertension to service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Stomach and esophageal cancer, Diabetic nephropathy with hypertension
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21006796
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 21006796.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for service connection due to the need for additional medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, combined with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU and SMC housebound effective August 21, 2012.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection for bladder cancer is granted, and effective dates are assigned for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy with hypertension. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals regarding his disability ratings for prostate cancer residuals, type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, and a scar were dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
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