Skin cancer decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for thyroid disease and skin cancer are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, clarify the timing of his diagnoses, and prepare a dose estimate based on his reported radiation exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, claimed as due to radiation exposure, is being remanded for additional development and adjudication.

The Veteran's request for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, claimed as skin cancer, secondary to herbicide exposure is being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for skin cancer. The Veteran's melanoma is being evaluated based on in-service sun exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of entitlement to compensation for malignant melanoma and DIC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151, as there are outstanding records from the Minneapolis VAMC prior to June 2003 and a need for an addendum opinion regarding VA carelessness or negligence.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by active duty service and is not proximately due to a service-connected disability.,The Board also denied service connection for skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma), finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for skin cancer prior to June 27, 2013 was granted. A rating in excess of 30 percent from June 27, 2013 forward is also granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for malignant melanoma, which he claims is due to sun exposure during his military service. The Board has ordered a remand to provide the Veteran with a VA examination and consider updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and skin cancer are being remanded for further development due to the need to apply special procedural framework under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311, as they may be related to ionizing radiation exposure in service. The heart disability and sleep apnea claims also require additional development regarding whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected restrictive ventilatory defect.

The Veteran's skin condition, including squamous cell carcinoma and acanthosis nigricans, has been manifested by scars affecting less than five percent of the entire body and exposed areas, requiring topical therapy. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if any current skin disability is related to the Veteran's military service, including in-service findings of xerosis, chronic dermatitis, and lichenified skin over both hands.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for scars on the ears and face resulting from skin cancer removal is being remanded due to a material change in his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner and requesting private treatment records. The issue of earlier effective date for the 10% rating for lumbar strain will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer was not incurred in service and is denied. The issue of an initial PTSD evaluation higher than 10 percent, prior to May 25, 2007, and higher than 30 percent thereafter remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a travel board hearing at the Columbia, South Carolina, Regional Office. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin cancer, both claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure, are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's skin disabilities, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology. The issue is currently characterized as service connection based on direct causation.

The Board has granted initial compensable ratings for scar residuals of skin cancer and increased the rating for residuals of skin cancer, but denied reopening of service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing before the Board. His claims for service connection and increased rating remain pending.