The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD substantially or materially contributed to his cause of death, which was caused by metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth. Further development is required.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner failed to recognize that the excessive smoking and drinking were aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2021
- Citation
- 21066235
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 21066235.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to questions regarding whether the Appellant received a previous Board decision and if there is new evidence that could reopen the claim. The Veteran died of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, which was not service-connected or related to Agent Orange exposure. The VA examiner will need to determine if the service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to the cause of death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his fear of hostile military activity during his Vietnam service.
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