The Board denied service connection for residuals of esophageal cancer, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and the veteran's active service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The deciding factor: The August 2024 VA examiner opined that the appellant's cancer was less likely than not related to in-service symptoms or exposure to CLCW, and there is no competent medical evidence linking the condition to service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of esophageal cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 18, 2025
- Citation
- 25005314
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased rating for residuals of esophageal cancer was dismissed due to procedural issues.
- 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.
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.