The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse is found to be the proximate cause of his cancerous colon polyps. The Board grants service connection for this condition, effective from when the claim was filed. For TDIU prior to July 31, 2014, the Board finds that the Veteran cannot secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities and thus grants TDIU on an extraschedular basis.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence establishes that the Veteran's cancerous colon polyps are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse, which is considered a high-risk factor for developing such conditions. The Board finds this to be sufficient to grant service connection on a secondary basis.
- Claimed conditions
- cancerous colon polyps
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 11, 2022
- Citation
- 22008008
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 22008008.
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 claims for chronic myeloid leukemia, cancerous colon polyps, skin cancer, ovarian cysts, and hysterectomy residuals due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's exposure to benzene and carcinogens is not verified, and she needs an examination for her claimed ovarian cysts and hysterectomy residuals.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for cancerous colon polyps and TDIU prior to July 31, 2014. The Veteran's appointed attorney attempted to withdraw representation but did not provide good cause.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for gall bladder disability and cancerous colon polyps due to potential conflicts in medical opinions. The issues are now pending for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for cancerous colon polyps and esophageal Zenker's diverticulum have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.,There is no direct service connection established, but the presumptive exposure basis at Camp Lejeune (burn pit) has not been ruled out.
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.