Skin cancer decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and evaluation due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's skin cancer claim, specifically whether it is related to herbicide exposure. The PTSD case also requires updated VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's skin cancer is related to his military service, including any sun exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if service connection can be established for interstitial lung disease, colon condition (to include a hernia and IBS), and skin condition (melanoma).

The Veteran's left eye condition and bilateral kidney disability are not service-connected.,However, the Veteran's skin cancer is now considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, heart disability, and cervical spine disability are granted. However, the heart disability claim is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis, and the cervical spine disability claim is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer was reopened and granted. The TDIU appeal is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new examination to assess his scarring and whether his skin malignancy requires therapy comparable to that used on systemic malignancies. The effective date of service connection is also being remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board finding it began during active service and has been continuous since.,The Veteran's melanoma claim for service connection due to ionizing radiation exposure remains pending and requires further development.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for skin cancer due to herbicide exposure. The Board also remanded the issue of a higher disability rating for type II diabetes mellitus.

Service connection is granted for residuals of paratyphoid, PTSD, and skin cancer removal scars. Service connection is denied for hypertension, tremors, and a bilateral foot disorder.,The Veteran's hypertension may be service connected if found to be aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin cancer is related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The claim will be reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of death is not attributable to exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection for cause of death is denied. The claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to potential inextricably intertwined issues with the DIC claim. The claim for service-connected burial benefits is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and melanoma due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's skin cancer is found to be at least as likely as not the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus service connection for skin cancer is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for skin cancer and remanded the cases of bilateral knee disability, hypertension, and recurrent chronic amebic dysentery due to lack of current evidence or inadequate examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicides. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's application to reopen his service-connection claim for a skin disability is granted. The Board also remanded the case for further development and an examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for an initial compensable rating for upper back scar, residual of melanoma excision.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, as there are inconsistencies in the medical records regarding the presence of peripheral neuropathy during the appeal period.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic malignant melanoma, with pulmonary fibrosis and COPD contributing to his death. The Board found that the Veteran had a service-connected respiratory disorder related to in-service asbestos exposure, which contributed to his death.