Skin cancer decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for glaucoma, lipoma, multiple myeloma, melanoma, lung condition (asthma and bronchitis), lower back pain, and bilateral leg tingling are not supported by evidence of a current disability related to service. As such, these issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, tinnitus, skin disorder, lung disorder, and melanoma. The claims are remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records and the need for specific information regarding the onset and nature of each condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma is at least as likely due to his in-service exposure to sunlight and herbicides, including Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a need to obtain additional evidence, including the Veteran's death certificate.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal.,Service connection for hypothyroidism and skin cancer is granted, with hypothyroidism being presumed based on herbicide exposure.,Fatigue is not service connected. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development regarding service connection for kidney stones and skin cancer, melanoma. The cases are also being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for onychomycosis and skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The evidence did not establish a medical nexus between these conditions and his military service.,Specifically, the VA examination found that the Veteran's onychomycosis was more likely caused by post-service employment as a welder, while his skin cancers were attributed to decades of UV radiation exposure after service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various cancers, including prostate cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and skin cancer, all of which are related to exposure to ionizing radiation during service. The VA will obtain additional records and provide an addendum opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's skin conditions, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, are being remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine if they are related to her in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma. The remaining claims of service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, skin cancer, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and COPD are remanded due to inadequate development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, finding that there was not enough evidence to show a link between his current condition and his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no legal authority to adjudicate the merits of these appeals as he died during their pendency.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for psychiatric disorder, skin disorder, and cancer due to potential service connection issues. The VA will need to provide new medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for eczema, but granted it for skin cancer. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others not.,Service connection was granted for skin cancer due to the Veteran's exposure to sun and heat during his active service in Korea.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypogonadism, skin conditions (including skin cancer), asthma, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequacies in a previous medical opinion, and will need an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is rated at 30 percent prior to May 20, 2021 and 50 percent thereafter. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded as the VA examiner did not adequately address the Veteran's contention that his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy may have caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for actinic keratosis and malignant melanoma, finding that the Veteran's sun exposure during his active-duty service is at least as likely as not the cause of these conditions.