The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to squamous cell carcinoma, finding that it is not likely related to in-service radiation exposure but more likely related to asbestos exposure. The decision also acknowledges probable asbestos exposure based on Navy records and VBA guidance.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a causal link between the Veteran's service-connected asbestos exposure and his squamous cell carcinoma, which was found to be less likely due to other risk factors such as HPV infection or poor nutrition. However, the Board finds that the Veteran had probable asbestos exposure during service.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (tonsils)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 27, 2022
- Citation
- 22036736
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 22036736.
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
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