The Board has granted service connection for left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether it was related to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. As a result of resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant, the claim is now granted.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced regarding whether the Veteran's left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma was related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange, and thus resolved this doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 2, 2023
- Citation
- 23025207
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 23025207.
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 decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete evidence, including a TERA memorandum. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma or residuals is being returned for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a tonsil disability, including left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma. The Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims has ordered a remand due to lack of substantial compliance with previous instructions regarding examination findings and rationale. A new VA examiner opinion is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tonsil disability, including left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma, is not caused by or related to his active duty service. The Veteran's hypertension was also not shown to be incurred in service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left tonsil squamous cell carcinoma, its relationship to service, and whether he has hypertension secondary to his tonsil disorder.
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