The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil or bilateral hearing loss began during or as a result of his active service, and this opinion was based on well-reasoned rationale supported by evidence of record.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil (also claimed as head and neck cancer), bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2025
- Citation
- A25055161
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 withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, while fibromyalgia, internal or external hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and neuropathy are denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding it at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
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