The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding service connection for larynx cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed by a qualified examiner who must provide an updated opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the cancer is related to service, specifically herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not provide an opinion based on their medical judgment regarding the relationship between squamous cell carcinoma and service, including herbicide exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, other unspecified squamous cell carcinomas
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 30, 2022
- Citation
- 22049366
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 22049366.
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 service connection claims for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and bad teeth with dry mouth as secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the neck have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for larynx cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, tonsil, lymph nodes, larynx, and tongue as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the throat/tongue and neck is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.
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