The Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil with lymph node removal is found to be related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The associated secondary disabilities such as osteonecrosis of the right knee, aspiration pneumonia, epiglottic dysmotility, and bronchiectasis are also found to be related to treatment for his service-connected tonsillar cancer.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma was presumed due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The VA examiner provided opinions supporting the relationship between the Veteran's treatment for his service-connected tonsillar cancer and these secondary disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil with lymph node removal, osteonecrosis of the right knee status post arthroscopy with partial meniscectomy for meniscal tear and microfracture (right knee osteonecrosis), epiglottic dysmotility, aspiration pneumonia, bronchiectasis status post wedge resection of the left lower lung lobe
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2021
- Citation
- A21018873
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A21018873.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Guam or American Samoa, which could affect his presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since March 30, 2020. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that the cause was not related to active service or any incident of service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claimed conditions, including aspiration pneumonia, loss of balance, genital infection, rash and/or itching, and bladder and bowel control issues, are not considered to be caused by VA treatment or lack thereof. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were increased as a result of VA care.
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