The Board has granted service connection for basaloid carcinoma of the tongue, loss of salivary gland function as secondary to service-connected basaloid carcinoma of the tongue, and lymph node cancer as secondary to service-connected basaloid carcinoma of the tongue. The decision is based on direct service connection due to unsafe sexual practices during active duty.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's HPV-related basaloid carcinoma of the tongue was caused by unsafe sexual practices during active duty, which led to the current diagnoses of loss of salivary gland function and lymph node cancer as secondary to the now service-connected basaloid carcinoma of the tongue.
- Claimed conditions
- basaloid carcinoma of the tongue, loss of salivary gland function, lymph node cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 20, 2024
- Citation
- A24076875
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 A24076875.
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 claim for service connection for prostate cancer, bone cancer, and lymph node cancer has been granted. The prostate cancer is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure during service at RTAFB Takhli. Bone cancer is secondary to the service-connected prostate cancer. Lymph node cancer is also considered secondary to prostate cancer.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his alleged toxic exposure during service.
- Denied
The Veteran seeks an effective date prior to April 10, 2024, for the awards of service connection for cancer of his lymph nodes and bone. The Board denied these claims as there is no evidence of metastasization of the Veteran's cancer to his bones and lymph nodes before that period.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status. The Board denied this claim as there was no indication he was permanently housebound prior to April 10, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for lymph node cancer and thyroid disorder due to a need for additional evidence and medical opinions.
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.