Skin cancer decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for melanoma and secondary service connection for bilateral retinopathy as related to the Veteran's service-connected melanoma. The decision is based on evidence showing a current diagnosis, a service-connected condition (melanoma), and a nexus between the two.

Your claim for service connection for left ear melanoma has been dismissed because the VA granted you service connection and assigned a disability rating, effective August 24, 2022. This means your case is no longer pending as the benefits sought have been fully awarded.

The claims for service connection related to the endocrine system, hematologic and lymphatic systems, neurologic conditions and convulsive disorders, infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies have been dismissed. The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for sequelae of pericardial effusion, conduction abnormalities requiring ablation and pacemaker, and resultant heart failure, as well as esophagitis and GERD, has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation is dismissed as the issue was resolved in a separate appeal. The claim for skin cancer remains denied due to lack of current evidence showing a disability. A rating of 50 percent, but not higher, is granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable (zero percent) due to the lack of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more.,Service connection for skin cancer, invasive malignant melanoma, is granted based on a finding that it is at least as likely as not related to sun exposure without protective equipment during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for melanoma cancer and basal cell carcinoma have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's non-melanoma skin cancer, previously claimed as melanoma, is related to his conceded herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, finding no medical nexus between his condition and military service. The Veteran's skin cancer was determined to be caused by UV exposure and began in 2011, which is too far removed from his time at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is found to be related to his active service, specifically sun exposure and herbicide agent exposure during service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's skin cancer, diagnosed as basil cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is granted service connection based on the opinion that it is at least as likely as not related to excessive sun exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as upper extremities, erectile dysfunction, thyroid disability, skin cancer (involving the face, arms, legs, and back), and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The evidence submitted after the May 2023 denial supports these claims.

The Veteran's sutures were removed at a non-VA facility, but VA facilities were available and the treatment was for a non-service-connected condition. The claim is denied as there are no legal grounds for reimbursement.

The Board denied service connection for Huntington's disease and basal cell carcinoma, finding no current diagnosis of Huntington's disease and insufficient evidence linking the skin cancer to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.,Specifically, the AOJ must obtain all outstanding VA treatment records, private treatment records, and any relevant non-VA records. They also need to provide addendum opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's skin cancers, prostate cancer, pemphigoid, Horner syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting either claim.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection for various conditions, including breast cancer and its residuals, thyroidectomy, left bicep scar (malignant melanoma), and basal cell carcinoma. The claims are based on the Veteran's alleged exposure to pesticides at Fort McClellan and malathion in the Panama Canal Zone.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, melanoma, right knee replacement as secondary to bilateral pes planus, and sleep apnea due to potential duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the evaluation of his service-connected melanoma and metastatic lung melanoma, but the Board finds no evidence to support such a claim.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the evaluation of his service-connected metastatic lung melanoma. The earliest possible effective date allowable is April 18, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and skin cancer due to unclear evidence regarding the Veteran's participation in a TERA during his military service. The claims are being returned for further development.