The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in pre-decisional duty-to-assist actions, including missing records and inadequate development of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left vocal cord related to burn pit exposure.
The deciding factor: Errors were found in the pre-decisional duty-to-assist actions, specifically regarding verification of periods of active duty, unverified National Guard service, and inadequacies with a VA medical opinion obtained during claim development.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the left vocal cord
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2026
- Citation
- A26002546
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 A26002546.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's postoperative residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the left vocal cord are granted with a 10 percent rating for the period since August 7, 2017. The issues related to psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disorders, prostate disorder, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been remanded.
- Denied
The Board found that the veteran's cancer of the larynx existed prior to her entry into service and did not permanently worsen during her period of active service, thus denying her claim for service connection.
- Denied
The Board concluded that the reduction of the rating for squamous cell carcinoma of the left vocal cord from 100 to 10 percent was properly executed in accordance with facts and law.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
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.