The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 100 percent for his service-connected adenocarcinoma of the colon, status post right hemicolectomy, is denied. The issue of special monthly compensation (SMC) due to aid and attendance is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was previously awarded a non-service-connected pension in May 1995 due to his service-connected adenocarcinoma of the colon. His SMP was discontinued because he elected to receive service connection compensation in lieu of pension benefits, which cannot be paid alongside VA pension benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- adenocarcinoma of the colon
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24023280
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 A24023280.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the colon is granted as secondary to his service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder to include alcohol use disorder. The back disability claim is remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected adenocarcinoma of the colon and resection of the large intestine are granted. Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.
- Denied
The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected due to the lack of evidence linking his conditions to military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a compensable disability at the time of discharge and that his conditions were not otherwise related to 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.