Skin cancer decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for cause of death due to or resulting from malignant melanoma and service-connected ischemic heart disease as a basis for service-connection for congestive heart failure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for skin cancer and colon cancer due to potential exposure to herbicides and radiation during service. The Veteran's skin cancer is conceded based on his in-service sun, chemical, and herbicide agent exposures. For the colon cancer claim, the Board has also conceded herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's skin cancer, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are all related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's squamous cell cancer (skin cancer), left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hand disability, basal cell carcinoma, thoracolumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension.,There is no evidence of any current disabilities or symptoms related to these conditions during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that ischemic heart disease and metastatic melanoma were related to his active duty service. The Board concluded that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in-service, presumptively causing his ischemic heart disease, and also found a causal relationship between his sun exposure during service and his fatal melanoma.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and skin cancer are remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are related to his exposure at Camp Lejeune during service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to malignant melanoma, finding that it was not caused by his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The diabetes is also considered a contributory cause but not causative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and malignant melanoma due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and his credible testimony regarding potential exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The claims will be further evaluated with additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorders, specifically melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. The issues are related to service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA opinion regarding the Veteran's skin cancer and its connection to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to herbicide agent exposure, as there is no presumption of association with such exposures. The Veteran needs a medical opinion on whether his kidney cancer and skin cancers are related to his specific exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, lung disability, ischemic heart disease, skin cancer, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to exposure to dust and chemicals in service as a dental technician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition to include skin cancer, dermatitis and a keratinization disorder as due to herbicide agent exposure has been granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to a lack of recent medical evidence and because the issues are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, right bicep and head due to exposure to herbicidal agents. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's skin cancers are related to his in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypothyroidism and melanoma of the left shoulder due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to exposure to Agent Orange. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeals of service connection for leukemia, lymphoma, squamous cell skin cancer, and carotid artery stenosis due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left shoulder disability, and right hip disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for hypertension is also being remanded as it may be related to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of skin cancer are also being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and dermatomyositis due to insufficient medical evidence, including a lack of a nexus opinion. The Veteran may have exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's malignant melanoma and pulmonary embolism to his military service. The claim was not granted under any theory of entitlement.