Skin cancer decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death, and he was not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as none of his service-connected disabilities were rated totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding his death.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that metastatic melanoma was related to sun exposure during active duty.

The case was remanded for an adequate medical opinion to clarify the cause of the veteran's death, specifically regarding multiple myeloma.

The Board remands the case to obtain a medical opinion on whether the veteran's malignant melanoma of the left heel is attributable to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure.

The appeal was remanded due to a lack of sufficient evidence and the need for an examination to determine if the veteran's skin disorders and hypothyroidism are related to his military service, including radiation exposure.

The Board denied ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to January 12, 2007 and in excess of 30 percent from that date for the veteran's cervical spine disability, as well as a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disability. The claim for service connection for a right hip disorder was not addressed on the merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for enucleation of the right eye, choiroidal melanoma, prostate cancer, bleeding ulcers, hypertension and a heart condition, a sinus condition, and spine arthritis as they were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service.

The Board remands the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA opinion to determine if the veteran's cause of death was related to his active service.

The veteran's facial scar residuals of skin cancer and disc narrowing of the cervical spine were evaluated, with ratings increased to 20 percent and 30 percent respectively from August 31, 2005.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, skin cancer of the bilateral arms and hands, right knee disability, left knee disability, and residuals of a concussion as there was no evidence to support that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol abuse was denied due to it being a result of his own willful misconduct, including abuse of alcohol or drugs.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable initial evaluation for residuals of colon cancer, and service connection for prostate cancer and skin cancer due to exposure to ionized radiation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, partial blindness, and malignant melanoma due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of radiation exposure, including skin cancer and thrombocytopenia.

The appeal is remanded to obtain a more accurate dose estimate for the veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during his entire period in Japan, including Sesebo and Kure.

The veteran is entitled to service connection for Schaumberg's disease.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for skin cancers involving the left neck, left upper arm, and right forearm is being remanded for a new examination to determine the severity of the current residuals.

The veteran's skin cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer (melanoma) of the face, including due to Agent Orange exposure, was denied because there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility to Dependent's Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.