Skin cancer decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for COPD and basal cell skin cancer of the face to include as due to Agent Orange exposure, and service connection for sleep apnea to include as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions due to lack of recent medical evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's malignant melanoma is due to sun exposure during his period of service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's melanoma is granted service connection. The claims for bronchitis, low back disability, and upper back disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current skin cancer of basal cell carcinomas and precancerous lesions are related to excessive sun exposure during service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, respiratory disorder (asbestos), skin cancer, ruptured groin, left index finger amputation, double compound fracture of the right lower leg, diabetes mellitus type II, and syncope were denied. The VA found no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a prostate condition, squamous cell carcinoma of the right facial area (claimed as skin cancer), and facial blisters. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED as directed below.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development and an examination due to incomplete records, lack of unit history research, and other remand directives not being carried out.