Skin cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and malignant melanoma have been granted. The claim for a skin disorder other than malignant melanoma to include sarcoma is remanded. The claim for scars on the face, neck, ears, and cheeks is also remanded.,PTSD and persistent depressive disorder are now service-connected. Malignant melanoma remains in dispute due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or service. A skin disorder other than malignant melanoma (to include sarcoma) and scars on the face, neck, ears, and cheeks also require further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to ionizing radiation and sunlight during active duty. The case will be referred back to the Under Secretary of Health for a dose estimate, and then to the Under Secretary for Benefits for an opinion on whether the Veteran’s conditions are related to his claimed exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include an evaluation for a cyst, hearing loss, skin cancer, and a left foot condition.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions are inadequate to decide the Veteran's claims for service connection. Therefore, the cases are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's skin cancer and GERD were not found to be related to his military service.,PTSD was rated at 30%, 50%, and 70% prior to, from February 24, 2011 to February 3, 2016, and after February 4, 2016 respectively.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's malignant melanomas are not related to service, including as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending appeals for service connection claims, including those related to kidney cancer, organic brain syndrome, migraine headaches, hepatitis C, esophageal condition (chronic esophagitis), liver cancer, melanoma, and follicular lymphoma of the breast.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel and medical records, scheduling examinations, and seeking private treatment records.

The Veteran's skin disorder and polymyalgia rheumatica are granted as due to exposure to herbicides during service.,High cholesterol, hypertension, prostate disorder (claimed as cancer), anal disorder, disorder manifested by poor blood circulation, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and disorder manifested by whole body numbness have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and actinic keratosis as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's time in active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye removal due to malignant melanoma is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions including glaucoma, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disorder, anal abscess, skin cancer, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, exposure to herbicide agents, or a current disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence on whether the Veteran's current or previously diagnosed skin cancer disorder is related to his service, specifically exposure to sunlight while working as a pole man. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant melanoma, PTSD, and jungle rot of the bilateral feet are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for enucleation of the right eye due to malignant melanoma was reopened, and he is now granted service connection. His claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's malignant (metastatic) melanoma, which caused his death in March 2013, is service-connected due to exposure to herbicides and a significant sunburn during service. The decision grants the claim for cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for gout and skin cancer, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate and skin cancers were denied as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service, including exposure to chemicals.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and skin cancer. The remaining issues have been remanded due to lack of evidence regarding radiation exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not yet determined whether they are well-grounded.,Service connection is granted for tinea versicolor and remanded for further examination regarding other issues.