The Board has determined that the Veteran's intestinal neoplasm, claimed as a gastrointestinal tumor, is not related to his military service or in-service toxic exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed intestinal neoplasm was less likely than not related to toxic exposure and more likely due to obesity and other risk factors.
- Claimed conditions
- intestinal neoplasm, gastrointestinal tumor
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2026
- Citation
- A26004398
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26004398.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's intestinal neoplasm and rectal cancer are related to his in-service exposure to toxic fumes, including diesel exhaust and AFFF. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for colon cancer, finding that the Veteran's toxic exposure during service is directly related to his current condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claim for service connection of intestinal neoplasm (colon cancer) to obtain a new medical opinion considering the veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and other toxins.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claim for service connection of an intestinal disability, including colon cancer residuals and intestinal neoplasm, due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's exposure to toxins during service will be reconsidered.
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