Skin cancer decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart condition and skin cancer due to potential exposure during service. The Veteran's service aboard USS Kearsarge is being verified, and a VA examination will be conducted to determine if his skin cancers are related to in-service environmental exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, skin disability, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to potential herbicide exposure. The RO is instructed to verify whether the Veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam and obtain any relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, specifically melanoma, due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of his condition. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents during service but not to skin cancers.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's skin cancer, including whether it is related to an in-service severe sunburn. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations and requested records for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's skin disability, including skin cancer, finding that there is no competent evidence of a nexus between any current skin disability and his active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for melanoma, respiratory disorder (other than asbestosis, mesothelioma, and sinus condition), and asbestosis with pleural plaques is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin conditions are related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for malignant melanoma, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between his current condition and his in-service exposures. The Board also found no evidence of prostate cancer metastasis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disability was previously denied in 1973. New evidence has been submitted, and the claim is now reopened. The case is being remanded to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the left eye condition.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and the claim for DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board has dismissed the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).,The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, skin cancer, an eye disability, PTSD, and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also remanded as it involves a mental health condition that may be related to his claimed skin disability.,The Board has not addressed the issue of entitlement to service connection for a right eye disability due to 38 U.S.C. § 1151, which was referred to the AOJ.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of medical records. The Veteran's claims are not granted as there is no credible evidence linking his current conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a lung condition, skin cancer, and heart condition have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy prior to April 5, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange is granted.,Service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange and/or CAD, is denied.,Service connection for melanoma, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, is denied.,Service connection for hepatocellular carcinoma, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam, and his assertion of repeated sunburn during service. The Veteran's skin cancer claim will be reconsidered with additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and skin cancer due to in-service herbicide exposure. The VA will conduct further development regarding the Veteran’s service within the territorial sea of Vietnam while aboard the USS Hooper, as well as address his heart disability claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, and skin cancer due to procedural issues. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations and receive additional etiological opinions on these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disability, melanoma, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities due to potential exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's service aboard USS Hancock in Vietnam territorial waters is being verified.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the cases are still pending as they were not fully adjudicated due to a remand.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for the cause of death, including potential exposure to herbicide agents and the relationship between pre-existing cancer disabilities and the Veteran's death.