The Veteran's claims for service connection for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, prostate cancer residuals, and squamous cell carcinoma are all granted. The claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding ionizing radiation exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents on Johnston Island, leading to the grant of service connection for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and prostate cancer residuals. The squamous cell carcinoma claim is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding ionizing radiation exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, prostate cancer residuals, squamous cell carcinoma
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23051944
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 23051944.
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 squamous cell carcinoma is granted as secondary to his service-connected eczema and psoriasis. The initial compensable evaluation for toenail psoriasis remains denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, which include stressor related disorder, prostate cancer residuals, surgical scar, and erectile dysfunction. The combined disability rating is at least 80 percent.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis as the appeal is considered duplicative of a previous decision.
- Partly granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for neoplasm hard and soft tissue of the mouth was improper, as there is conflicting medical evidence regarding the cause of the condition. The Veteran's conditions are related to his active duty service.
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.