Skin cancer decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The case was remanded for further examination regarding service connection for skin cancer, which is presumed related to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's appeal on service connection for skin cancer has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.

The Board denied service connection for lymphoma, melanoma, enlarged thyroid gland, myasthenia gravis, and chronic lung changes. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's service records do not show any treatment or diagnosis related to the claimed conditions. However, he has current diagnoses of actinic keratosis, colon cancer, macular edema, hypertension, skin cancer, and stroke. The Board finds that a remand is necessary for VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents while in service.

The Veteran's skin cancer claim was reopened due to new evidence showing excessive sun exposure during service, and the case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if this condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his status-post benign melanoma scar of the left chest was denied as the evidence did not show that the scar warranted an increased disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for chemical dermatitis was also denied because the condition affected less than 5% of his total body area and required only topical therapy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (formerly claimed as heart problem) have been granted due to exposure to an herbicide agent. However, the claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus is denied.,Service connection has also been denied for basal-cell skin cancer and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin disorders (including early evolving melanoma and basal cell carcinoma) need further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for left back melanoma and remanded the issue of an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, non-linear scarring of the left lower extremity, linear scars due to skin cancer removal, and scarring of the nose and neck have all been denied. The evidence does not support an increased rating in any period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding his diagnosed skin conditions, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The issue of service connection will be reconsidered in light of new evidence.

The claims of service connection for COPD, skin cancer, a right hip disorder, post-operative residuals of an adrenal gland tumor, and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's service treatment records show upper respiratory infections and chest pain in service. A VA examination is required to determine whether his COPD is related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer of the face, forehead, and arms due to lack of evidence linking his current condition to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's rating for malignant melanoma surgical scars was reduced from 100% to noncompensable, and the Board has determined that this reduction is not ready for appellate review. The matter is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for testicular cancer and skin cancer due to herbicide exposure, as well as an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The effective date of any grant of service connection is not addressed in this decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for skin cancer, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure. The case must be returned for further action.

The Veteran's skin cancer is found to be related to his in-service sun exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and clarification of several issues, including service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's hypertension is denied as not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.