The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxillary sinus and its related secondary disabilities, including facial bone loss, jaw disability, epistaxis, bilateral dry eye syndrome, left eye epiphora, carotid artery occlusion, and a dental disability. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxillary sinus was related to his in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), and granted service connection for all secondary disabilities as well.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxillary sinus, left side facial bone loss, temporomandibular disorder with limited motion of the temporomandibular joint (jaw disability), epistaxis (nosebleeds), bilateral dry eye syndrome, left eye epiphora, carotid artery occlusion
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 31, 2023
- Citation
- A23030387
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 A23030387.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral dry eye syndrome is rated at a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The disability requires treatment with artificial tears and meets the criteria for a bilateral disorder of the lacrimal apparatus under Diagnostic Code 6099-6025.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is not a causal relationship between his current condition and his military service. The evidence does not support a nexus to in-service exposures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate eye examination and new evidence received since the last decision.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active military service.
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