Skin cancer decisions — 2016

The Veteran's scars from lipoma removal are rated at 20 percent effective August 6, 2010. Service connection is granted for melanoma and a skin disorder (dry skin patches), but service connection for a dental disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diverticulitis, skin cancer(s), colon polyps, and right shoulder arthritis. The claims are based on the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal with the Board.

The Veteran's skin cancer was not present until many years after service and is not related to service, including the in-service cold exposure. The onychomycosis of the feet is a residual of cold weather injury.,Service connection for onychomycosis has been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for skin cancer and a back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's melanoma is at least as likely as not related to service exposure, granting service connection for this condition. Service connection was denied for hypertension and respiratory disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for esophageal cancer and a skin disorder, including skin cancer, is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if there is a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's melanoma was not present during service or for many years thereafter, is not among the identified conditions associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of service, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The AOJ will also request a VA examination in connection with his 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 claim for perirectal abscess and fistula.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to technical issues with the November 2015 Board videoconference hearing. The case will be scheduled for a new Board videoconference hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed multiple malignant melanoma is not causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or event in service, including as due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer is not attributable to active service, including exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service occurrence.

The Veteran's skin cancer claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and a VA examination to determine if his skin cancers are related to herbicide exposure. His SMC claim is also being remanded for an opinion on whether he meets the criteria for loss of use of both legs.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied as the Board found that VA did not cause his additional disability of metastatic melanoma to the brain, right lung, and small bowel due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on VA's part.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, skin cancer, and thyroid disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to radiation in service.

The Veteran's tinnitus, rosacea, and malignant melanoma are all found to be related to service. The skin disability is presumed due to herbicide exposure in the Gulf War era.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has had skin cancer or other skin disorders related to his service. The claim will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities were denied. The claim for Agent Orange exposure was not addressed as it is not related to the issues on appeal.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the Board found no evidence linking his cause of death (metastatic malignant melanoma) to his military service or exposure to herbicides.