Skin cancer decisions — 2023

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus, type II prior to June 30, 2015, is denied. The Veteran's original claim was received on that date and there were no prior claims filed before then.,The skin condition (claimed as skin cancer) is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service exposure to herbicides.,The erectile dysfunction is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II or the Veteran's own service.,Bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's melanoma and related residuals, as well as his back disability and right knee disability are granted service connection. The left elbow disability is denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease, and the bilateral foot disability is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee disabilities, neurological condition, peripheral neuropathies, and skin cancer. The appeals are pending due to conflicting evidence regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for skin disability and left lower extremity neurological disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to provide VA with any relevant treatment records, and a new examination will be scheduled to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or service-connected back disability.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's ventral hernia and has remanded issues regarding service connection for heart disability and skin cancer. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence or undergo examinations as requested.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding service connection for a skin disorder, including skin cancer, as well as secondary service connection due to migraine headaches. The claims are related to exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma and malignant melanoma is being remanded due to insufficient evidence of treatment or diagnosis. The Board has recharacterized the claim as one for cancer, including both conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete audiogram records and inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin cancer treatment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to additional evidence being submitted by the Veteran and requires further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection to actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, pre skin cancer, left forearm tendonitis and epicondylitis (right), and right forearm tendonitis and epicondylitis due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's skin cancer claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature of his condition. His retinopathy associated with diabetes mellitus rating appeal is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma and melanoma are related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's skin cancer claim is remanded due to the failure to complete an examination and for compliance with PACT Act requirements regarding toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). The Veteran must cooperate with scheduling the examination or his claim will be decided based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to its inextricability with the PTSD claim. The PTSD claim will be considered first, and a decision on both claims may be made concurrently if appropriate.

The Board denied service connection for melanoma affecting the back, chest, and shoulders as it was not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The disorder did not manifest within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for skin cancer, testicular cancer, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, right hand disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and a scar, both due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board found that there is no causal link between the Veteran's skin cancer and his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling the Veteran for VA skin and scar examinations, and readjudicating the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and lentigo malignant melanoma, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for skin cancer, finding that the Veteran's condition is etiologically related to herbicide agent exposure during active duty in Vietnam. The claim of an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to a lack of recent examination.