Skin cancer decisions — 2016

The Veteran's skin cancer, diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is not service connected due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to service or to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted, with diabetes mellitus type II being presumed due to herbicide exposure and bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus established as a result of in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, right eye ptosis, and neuropathy of the lower extremities. The remaining claims for skin disorder, circulatory disorder, and an eye disability (other than right eye ptosis) are remanded for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed melanoma, basal cell cancer, and dysplastic nevus are at least partially attributable to sunlight exposure during his active duty service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.