Skin cancer decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the service connection claims for various cancers and lymph node conditions, as well as skin cancer. The VA examiner will need to provide opinions addressing whether these disabilities are related to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has remanded the cases of skin cancer and scarring of the head and nose due to insufficient development, including a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for melanoma due to lack of evidence linking the condition to active service or herbicide exposure. The digestive system disorder claim is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for clarification on Agent Blue exposure. The Veteran's skin condition, including NMSCs, is being reviewed again with consideration of sun exposure and possible Agent Blue exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining private cardiology treatment records and addressing the issues of service connection for residuals of melanoma excision and a higher rating for coronary artery disease. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, lung disability, malaria, and skin cancer due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.,Service connection was also denied for skin cancer and/or skin conditions as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or onset during service.

The Board has remanded two cases involving the Veteran's claims for service connection for melanoma of the left chest and squamous cell carcinoma of the right temple and above the left eyebrow, both linked to Agent Orange exposure. The decision also notes that the Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue base may be related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar of the right eyebrow and remanded the issue of service connection for skin cancer of the face, including malignant melanoma.

The Board denied service connection for treatment purposes under Chapter 17 for residuals of a fractured nose and a growth in the right nostril, as there is no current diagnosis.,The Board also denied service connection for treatment purposes under Chapter 17 for skin cancer. The appellant has been diagnosed with tinea versicolor, but the VA examiner did not provide an opinion on its etiology.,The Board remanded the claim of service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 for a skin disorder (other than skin cancer).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in many cases, or an in-service event that is related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's skin cancer and its relation to in-service sun exposure and/or herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for COPD, bilateral shoulder conditions, Peyronie's disease, skin cancer, right heel disability, peripheral artery disease of the bilateral lower extremities, entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of a rib fracture, and earlier effective date prior to February 28, 2013 for the award of service connection for a rib fracture residual were dismissed. The Veteran's esophageal stricture was granted with a 50% disability rating. Service connection for coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis of the right wrist, and bilateral knees was also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and melanoma, attributing these conditions to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer, and skin cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents in Germany. The Veteran's lay statements and testimony regarding his claimed exposure will be reviewed, and VA examinations will determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection cannot be granted for OSA, lung condition, left knee disability, residuals of head trauma, hypertension, GERD, or skin cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and need for additional medical examination. The Veteran's low back condition, malignant melanoma, ependymoma, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all under review.

The Veteran's skin cancer is granted service connection, but his fibromyalgia claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for adrenal sarcoma, malignant melanoma of the chest, and malignant melanoma metastasized to left lung have been granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service at Fort Gordon.

The Board has granted service connection for various skin conditions, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, and solar lentigo, finding they are related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents and sun exposure while deployed in Vietnam.