Skin cancer decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The skin cancer claim is not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for multiple tumors, including metastatic melanoma of the left shoulder, as related to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not show any exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service and there was no credible medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final decision.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death (melanoma) is not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer of the right ankle, finding no evidence linking it to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, finding no evidence of a current disability and noting that skin cancer is not one of the conditions presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for service connection for malignant melanoma of the upper back due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining dosage estimates from DTRA. The veteran's skin cancer is being evaluated to determine its relationship to sun exposure in Guam, DDT exposure in Guam, or radiation exposure in Guam.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected scar and nerve damage did not warrant a higher rating as they were not productive of any limitation of motion or underlying soft tissue damage.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for malignant melanoma requires additional development due to VCAA notice deficiencies and missing evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for skin cancers, including as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. The RO found that there was no causal relationship between the veteran's skin cancers and his military service or any in-service exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral cataracts, skin cancer, lupus erythematosus, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer, all claimed as secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim of increased evaluation for coronary artery disease with hypertension was granted but is no longer in appellate status.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his claimed conditions due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a dose estimate and considering the VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's multiple malignant melanoma, which was incurred during service and is considered a direct service connection, caused his death. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's melanoma, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are not related to his service-connected frostbite disabilities. The claims for secondary service connection have been denied.

The Board granted service connection for skin cancers, finding that the veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service qualifies him as a radiation-exposed veteran and allows for presumptive service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's malignant melanoma of the scalp was not caused by VA treatment and denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of exposure to PCB and increased the rating for digestive system disabilities from 10 percent to 20 percent effective August 12, 1983. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for skin cancer was also granted.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals on all issues due to his withdrawal of the appeal for service connection for Peyronie's disease and a skin disorder (melanoma and rosacea of the face and chest), including due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a loss of vision, skin cancer of the face, ears and chest, or any other skin condition related to his military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.