Skin cancer decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral shoulder disability, migraine headaches, CNS disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and skin disability (melanoma), have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise, and therefore grants service connection for melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis of the left hand, back, and left side of neck as a result of exposure to sunlight during military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied prior to October 6, 2011. A staged increase in the evaluation from 10% to 30% was granted effective October 6, 2011.,Service connection for malignant melanoma with residual scarring due to exposure to sunlight and Agent Orange is established.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the Veteran's claimed conditions, as there is no competent and credible evidence showing in-service incurrence or a relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private medical records for hearing loss, a need for VA Compensation and Pension examinations regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, and other procedural steps.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with due process and VA's duties to notify and assist, including obtaining medical records from Big Springs VAMC and scheduling a hearing.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claims of service connection for skin cancer, fatigue, sleep disturbance, short term memory loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and emphysema.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board videoconference hearing due to his request for such. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and an increased rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his hypertension and skin cancer. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and a respiratory disability were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or exposure to the claimed exposures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer was not incurred in service and is not related to his military service.

The Board has waived the requirement for a timely substantive appeal and granted the Veteran's appeal to proceed with his claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for pelvic bone fracture and service connection for various conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin cancer did not manifest during his active service or for many years thereafter, nor is it otherwise related to such service, including as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's skin cancer is being remanded for further development as the service connection theory needs to be addressed through a direct service connection rather than presumptive exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's malignant melanoma of the left shoulder is due to his sun exposure during military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The decision on bilateral cataracts will be remanded as requested.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and thrombocytopenia, finding that these conditions are not related to his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from metastatic melanoma, despite other contributing factors such as respiratory compromise and cardiovascular arrest.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's skin conditions, including chloracne and skin cancer.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the inadequacies of a previous examination, including not discussing all disabilities and their impact on employment. The Veteran is required to provide information about any VA or private healthcare providers who have treated him since 2006.