Skin cancer decisions — 2014

The Veteran likely has PTSD that is attributable to his active military service, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including skin cancer, as due to radiation exposure is being remanded for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is related to his military service due to herbicide exposure. The claims for malignant melanoma and lung cancer are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer and skin cancer were denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides, and the competent medical evidence did not support a finding that his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current skin cancer is not related to his military service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of melanoma are not related to his conceded herbicide exposure in service, and denied his claim for service connection. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete VA treatment records and need for further development regarding service connection, exposure history, and medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his skin cancers, including whether they are related to service exposure or in-service sun exposure.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for dyshydrotic eczema, dermatophytosis, and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), but denied them as not related to service. The claim of service connection for thyroid cancer remains final.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including determining if the Veteran was a participant in Project SHAD and obtaining VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this additional information.

The Veteran's melanoma scarring was not incurred or aggravated by active service, and the Board finds that it is unrelated to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin cancer, finding no in-service event, injury or diagnosis. The Veteran's first diagnoses of glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus were not during military service.

The Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for skin cancer prior to June 27, 2013. He is not entitled to any higher ratings at any time during the period under consideration.

The Veteran's malignant melanoma was not incurred or aggravated by service, including presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Board found no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for skin pigmentation, bilateral upper extremities, also claimed as skin cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his hypertension contributed to his brain hemorrhage due to metastatic melanoma.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, hypertension, a respiratory disability including lung nodules, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma, kidney cysts, and skin cancer due to incomplete records and procedural issues.

The Veteran's prostate disability and skin cancer are presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, but the Board has ordered additional examinations to determine their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for a skin condition due to herbicide exposure and melanoma of the face, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.