Skin cancer decisions — 2013

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for basal and squamous cell skin cancer residuals involving the body was denied. The RO granted service connection in September 2009, but did not grant any compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include reopening his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as well as claims for tinnitus, skin cancer, and PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension was found to be incurred in service. However, there is no evidence of skin cancer during or within one year after service and the claim for service connection for skin cancer is denied.

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

The VA determined that the Veteran's current skin disorders are not related to his active military service and did not arise due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence of a connection between the Veteran's in-service sun exposure and his current conditions.

The Veteran's lung cancer was found to be metastatic from melanoma, which is not considered a condition associated with herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of primary lung cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information from the Veteran.