Skin cancer decisions — 2013

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for skin cancer and nephrolithiasis, finding no clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin cancer, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure in Korea. The Veteran's unit was not located near the DMZ where Agent Orange was used.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA medical opinions in denying service connection for a cardiovascular disorder and skin cancer. The Veteran is required to undergo an appropriate VA examination(s) regarding these conditions, with specific inquiries about their onset, frequency, duration, severity, impact on daily activities and employment, as well as whether they are related to his service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Veteran's claimed herbicide exposure while serving aboard ships in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tinnitus and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. For hearing loss, the claim will be remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule an examination. The skin cancer claim will also be remanded as it involves a determination regarding whether the condition was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have skin cancer of the face and neck as a result of his service, and denied the claim.

The Veteran's malignant melanoma of the ciliary body of the left eye was not incurred or aggravated by his military service, and VA cannot presume it was due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, skin cancer, coronary artery disease, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, kidney condition, hypertension, and tinnitus. The decisions were based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be incurred in military service, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, skin cancer, and a growth on the left foot are remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Board concludes that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's skin cancer began in service, thus granting service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for skin cancer and thyroid disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now considered on their merits.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma on the arms and back (other than the right forearm) and melanoma are found to be etiologically related to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current skin disability, including skin cancer residuals, is related to in-service sun exposure and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining possible radiation exposure during military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues are about service connection for multiple actinic keratosis and skin cancers as secondary to his existing condition, and for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for malignant melanoma leading to loss of the right eye is being reopened due to new and material evidence. However, the underlying issue remains pending as it needs further development before a decision can be made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancers and disabilities, finding that his conditions are not related to his inservice herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his malignant melanoma was not related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for multiple skin cancers, including melanoma of the skin and any residuals. The Board has remanded the case to obtain a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disorders or residuals.