The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions related to his tonsil and throat cancer, including residual scar, jaw condition, partial tongue resection, lip/mouth condition, and PTSD. The cases are remanded for further development, including a VA examination and an etiology opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and military service, particularly exposure to trichlorethylene (TCE).
The deciding factor: The Board has reopened the claims based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- tonsil/throat cancer, residual scar, damage to the face, jaw condition and tooth and bone loss, partial tongue resection with gastrointestinal condition, lip; mouth condition (claimed as a speech impediment)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21021097
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 21021097.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for left ankle disability is denied. The claim for tonsil/throat cancer is allowed to reopen, but the service connection remains denied. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further examination. Residuals of throat/tonsil cancer are also remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
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.