Skin cancer decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran's skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's malignant melanoma of the chest wall was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred therein. The evidence did not demonstrate that the veteran had cancer of the breast and his claim for service connection based on exposure to ionizing radiation could not be granted.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of excision of a skin cancer of the right foot was denied as there is no evidence of functional impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and skin cancer/actinic keratoses of the head and neck, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic lung and/or respiratory disorder or skin condition that was incurred in service, including due to exposure to mustard and/or chlorine gas. The veteran's current conditions are not presumed by law.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing and clarifying representation status. The veteran's claims of service connection for skin disability other than dermatitis of the right hand, to include skin cancer, claimed due to exposure to ionizing radiation, are pending.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of service connection for additional skin cancers. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple skin cancers were not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.