The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded additional issues related to oral cancer and larynx cancer.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record did not support a compensable rating for partial loss of tongue or vertigo with mild hearing loss and tinnitus, as the disability picture more closely approximated the criteria required for non-compensable ratings. Further examination was needed for the oral cancer and larynx cancer residuals.
- Claimed conditions
- partial loss of tongue, oral cancer, larynx cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25036699
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 veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating for larynx cancer was dismissed due to untimeliness.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for esophageal cancer, benign prostate hypertrophy, and erectile dysfunction secondary to the now service-connected benign prostate hypertrophy. The claims for larynx cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetes, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a stomach disorder were denied.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of July 29, 2022 for the grant of service connection for oral cancer based on exposure to contaminated water during service in Camp LeJeune.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion from a board-certified oncologist or another appropriate specialist.
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