The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's condition and his military service or any service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The August 2024 VA examiner opined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma was less likely related to service due to family history of certain cancers and lack of evidence linking diabetes mellitus to alveolar cancer, making it impossible to determine true worsening from normal progression.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 29, 2024
- Citation
- 24033586
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new VA opinion by an oncologist to address whether the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not proximately due to service-connected diabetes or aggravated beyond its natural progression by service-connected diabetes disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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