Skin cancer decisions — 2003

The veteran's appeal for service connection for skin cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claim.

The Board found that the new evidence submitted by the veteran was cumulative and did not address the bases for the original denial of his claim. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted, but the overall outcome is denied due to lack of new material evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, metastatic melanoma to the thalamus, was not service-connected and denied the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, which he claimed was due to exposure to radiation. The case is being remanded for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, right ankle disorder, low back strain, traumatic arthritis of the left knee, postoperative residuals of reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligaments of the left ankle with traumatic arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or hypertension. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are already in effect for his left knee and left ankle disorders.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under chapter 35 due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board found that the veteran's malignant melanoma of his left leg was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may this disease be presumed to have been incurred in active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's malignant melanoma, which caused his death in January 1999, was incurred during his military service and is therefore service-connected. The appellant also meets the requirements for basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board found that the metastatic melanoma which caused the veteran's death was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been otherwise incurred in service.,The basic eligibility requirements for entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance allowance under Chapter 35 were not met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's multiple skin cancers are likely related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for further development to determine if the veteran's skin cancer and pancreatic cancer were related to his service, specifically exposure to extreme heat and sunlight in North Africa. The VA will also review the records from the Dallas VAMC regarding any treatment provided to the veteran in 1982.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for arthritis of the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders, as well as skin cancer and peripheral neuropathy, all claimed as residuals of a cold injury. The right great toe disability was granted service connection.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including ichthyosis, skin cancer, fracture of the navicular bone of the left foot, nerve damage to the left leg and arm, slurred speech and disorientation, psychiatric disorder (dementia), and multiple trauma. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent medical evidence.

The veteran's skin cancers are determined to be of service origin and he is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran has a disability manifested by burning and tingling of the face, which is related to frostbite injury during military service. Service connection for this condition was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's metastatic lung cancer, which was diagnosed in June 1998 and is presumed to have been present due to exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam, meets the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's request for service connection for basal cell skin cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded as the RO has not provided an opportunity for a hearing.

The veteran's skin cancer is found to be a direct result of solar exposure during service, but not due to ionizing radiation. Service connection for the former is granted.

The Board denied service connection for dyshydrotic eczema, dermatophytosis, COPD, and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) as these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including chloracne, skin cancer, tinea pedis, and chronic irritant dermatitis, are not related to his active service or Agent Orange exposure. As such, these claims have been denied.