The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine if the Veteran's right kidney cancer and right unilateral nephrectomy associated with kidney cancer are related to his service, specifically exposure from chemical agents at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. The case is being remanded for further examination and review of medical records.
The deciding factor: The Board found insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his service without additional development, including an examination to assess potential chemical exposure during service.
- Claimed conditions
- right kidney cancer, right unilateral nephrectomy associated with kidney cancer
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22029193
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 22029193.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for right kidney cancer is denied, and his entitlement to special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound status from January 9, 2024, is also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, combined with other disabilities, meet the criteria for a TDIU rating and SMC at the housebound rate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for accrued benefits due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cancers and his service-connected disabilities, specifically gastritis with hyperacidity and coronary artery disease. The VA is required to obtain medical opinions on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right kidney cancer, stomach cancer, and bone cancer.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, left adrenal gland cancer, and a higher rating for right kidney cancer have been sent back to the VA for further review.
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.