The Veteran died due to metastatic pancreatic cancer. The appellant believes the cause of death was related to in-service exposures, but there is no evidence of foreign service or toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). The Board finds that VA purposes consider any cancer as a 'radiogenic disease,' triggering certain duty-to-assist responsibilities. The case is remanded for further development regarding possible exposure to mercury and/or X-ray radiation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic pancreatic cancer, which is considered a radiogenic disease under VA purposes. This triggers the need for dose assessment and an opinion on exposure to mercury and/or X-ray radiation as a result of his military occupation as a Dental Officer.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (pancreatic cancer), atrophy of his testes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 30, 2026
- Citation
- A26009009
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 A26009009.
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.
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- Denied
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- Denied
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- Denied
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