The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for larynx cancer, permanent tracheostomy, and aphonia. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's laryngeal cancer was related to his in-service asbestos exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran had conceded asbestos exposure during service and a positive nexus opinion from a radiation oncologist supported the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- larynx cancer, permanent tracheostomy, aphonia
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21031253
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 21031253.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for larynx cancer, finding that there is at least an even balance of evidence to support a link between the condition and toxic exposures in service. The decision resolves any doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 60 percent disability rating for aphonia, restored the 60 percent rating for bladder dysfunction, and denied SMC based on loss of use of the right upper extremity.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating for larynx cancer was dismissed due to untimeliness.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and special monthly compensation, among other benefits.
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.