Skin cancer decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, and has remanded his claims for porphyria cutanea tarda and skin cancer due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and associated scars. The decision is based on the Veteran's exposure to increased ultraviolet radiation during his tours in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his skin cancer residuals did not contribute substantially or materially to his death and were unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits of lumbar spine disorder, skin cancer, and vision disorder have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for low back disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and skin cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that there was no causal relationship between his service-connected back disability and the malignant melanoma that caused his death. The Board also found that the appellant did not provide sufficient evidence to reopen the claim for service connection during the Veteran's lifetime.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for melanoma in the right eye and dry eyes condition are granted, with remand to consider radiation exposure as a potential cause.

The Veteran's skin cancer, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, and the sequelae thereof are granted service connection. The Veteran's right upper extremity, left upper extremity, left lower extremity, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are also granted service connection due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's skin cancers and numerous melanomas are related to his military service, but the initial rating for his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking his malignant metastatic melanoma to service, including exposure to herbicide agents or sunlight.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer as the evidence did not support a relationship to active service.,There is no direct evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to possible worsening of the Veteran's left ankle disability and bilateral hearing loss disability since his last VA examinations. The Veteran is also requested to undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present skin cancer, including exposure to herbicides while serving in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, dizzy spells, a sleep disorder, a headache disorder, and depression due to potential secondary relationships. The claims are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service and the relationship between his current melanoma and his military service.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease is granted a 100% rating for the entire period on appeal. Service connection for skin cancer as secondary to service-connected Crohn’s disease is also granted. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% rating.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action due to new evidence indicating possible herbicide agent exposure. If confirmed, a VA medical opinion will be sought to determine if the Veteran's melanoma is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for bladder cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, left leg aneurysm, and sleep apnea have all been denied as they are not service-connected.

Service connection for a bilateral foot condition, jungle rot of both feet, skin cancer, warts, and blood clots is denied.,Service connection for a heart condition is remanded.,Service connection for high blood pressure is remanded.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private treatment records and SSA disability determination records.