Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death from malignant neoplasm of esophagus was at least as likely as not caused by his exposure to herbicides during service, resolving all doubt in favor of the Appellant. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The deciding factor: The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's esophageal cancer was related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service, with a private medical opinion supporting this conclusion based on the scientific and medical literature reviewed.

Claimed conditions
Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
December 2, 2022
Citation
A22024521

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 A22024521.

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.

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.