Skin cancer decisions — 2015

The Board denied service connection for testicular cancer and skin condition of the neck and legs, both claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). The claim for skin cancer remains in a 'unknown' status.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II. The Veteran's other claims are pending and will be readjudicated after obtaining any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer and hearing loss/tinnitus was granted, with the effective date set at the date of his initial claim (March 7, 2011). The conditions are considered to have arisen during service.

The Veteran's death is being reviewed for potential service connection due to exposure to herbicides. The cause of death listed on the amended death certificate was metastatic malignant melanoma, which may be related to herbicide exposure. The appellant contends that prostate and lung cancer are also related to herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for folliculitis barbae, actinic keratosis, and skin cancer were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or link to his military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, which he claims are related to exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and chronic heart disease, including as due to radiation exposure during military service, are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The Under Secretary for Benefits will also be consulted regarding whether cervical radiculopathy and neuropathy of the upper extremities are related to radiation exposure or other factors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional information from the appellant regarding the Veteran's sun exposure during service and after service. The VA examiner will provide an addendum opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's melanoma was related to his exposure to sunlight.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin cancer was not incurred in or aggravated during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for melanoma is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or any other compensable condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide the claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying opinions from previous examiners.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mood disorder, characterized as depression with alcohol dependence, was denied. The Board found that the current diagnoses of depression and alcohol dependence were not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for trichoepitheliomas and basal cell carcinoma, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.,Both trichoepithelioma (a congenital condition) and basal cell carcinoma were not shown to have been aggravated by service or otherwise related to the Veteran's active duty.

The Veteran's malignant melanoma is related to his fair skin and sun exposure during service, with herbicide exposure also playing a part. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise on this issue and grants service connection for the condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the denial of service connection for a left leg condition and malignant melanoma, left forearm.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to his skin disorders and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional examination and opinions to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions, including lung condition, keratosis of the whole body, and melanoma with scars. The claims are related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran has not had a skin condition other than skin cancer during the pendency of this claim, and thus, service connection for such is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by malignant melanoma, and the Appellant is seeking service connection for this condition. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's malignant melanoma.