Skin cancer decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and will provide a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; pulmonary disorder (including a pulmonary diffusion defect and emphysema); peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity; peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity; thyroid disorder (including thyroid cancer and a thyroid nodule); and skin cancer are all granted due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's lung nodules claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in obtained contract medical opinions, particularly regarding potential links between the Veteran's service and his death from metastatic melanoma. The examiner is required to address submitted literature and consider contributory causes of death as listed on the death certificate.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for skin cancer due to ionizing radiation and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability as they are no longer relevant since the appellant has passed away.

The Veteran's skin cancer is granted as service connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease due to exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection is denied for right shoulder pain and head trauma. The case of skin cancer is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not show a link between the Veteran's active duty service and his current condition.,The Board also denied service connection for skin cancer, concluding that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current condition to his in-service issues or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his active duty service and his current condition. The most competent medical opinion indicated that the skin cancer did not onset during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for prostatitis and skin problems, to include skin cancers.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of use of insulin or hospitalizations.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board remanded these issues as there are questions about their onset in service.,Service connection was established for hypertension, left knee disability, right knee disability, skin fungus (tinea pedis), and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma).,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is not yet service connected.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for skin cancer of the face due to Agent Orange exposure, service connection for allergies due to Agent Orange exposure, and service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and IVDS. The Veteran's service treatment records are silent on any skin disabilities or back injuries. There is no current diagnosis of skin cancer, but his VA medical records show a history of a rash on his face. Service connection for allergies and degenerative arthritis due to Agent Orange exposure is remanded as there was not an examination assessing the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for melanoma. The Veteran contends that his current skin condition, including melanoma, is related to sunburns he experienced while stationed in Nha Trang during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for metastatic brain tumor, parathyroid condition, and skin cancer (melanoma) due to his conceded exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service injury or disease, including now conceded herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin lesions, including melanoma, due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam. The case is being sent back for a VA examination and for the Veteran to provide authorization for any private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.,Service connection for tonsillitis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for pre-skin cancer/cancer due to asbestos exposure is remanded.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore ordered further development for several of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cause of death, including pulmonary fibrosis, honeycomb lung, and malignant melanoma of the auricle.

The Board denied service connection for a CV disorder, skin cancer, bilateral lower extremity edema, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a duty to assist error, requiring VA examinations and opinions regarding service connection for residuals of chondrosarcoma tumors of bone and soft tissue and skin cancer. The claims are related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the cause of death (listed as brain cancer with a contributory cause listed as melanoma) is related to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's psoriasis, which was not service-connected, may have been caused by his exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also notes that VA treatment records from Fort Harrison and Missoula CBOC need to be obtained.