Skin cancer Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for residuals of excision of multiple malignant melanomas is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding additional melanomas and proper examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma are related to his service, specifically his exposure to Agent Orange during active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin cancer, heart disease, and stroke are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service exposure or a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not participate in a radiation-risk activity and thus is not considered a 'radiation-exposed veteran.' The claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and melanoma of the skin was denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to active duty, including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, lung nodules, and peripheral neuropathy are related to his service, with a presumption of exposure to Agent Orange. However, the skin cancer is not presumed due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for skin cancer of the left arm (as secondary to service-connected left hand osteoarthritis), cancer of the lip, inner ear disorder (vertigo), and bilateral hearing loss. The decision on the issue of service connection for tinnitus is based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's skin cancer claim is being remanded for further consideration, including a review by the Under Secretary for Benefits regarding the use of the representative's IREP estimate and dose information.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and skin cancer, finding no evidence to support a direct or presumptive relationship with his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, type 2, hypertension, peripheral neuropathies, or erectile dysfunction are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to accrued benefits and service connection for cause of death. The appellant's claims are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing a new VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, heart disability, sleep apnea, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.

The Veteran's skin disorder claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of radiation exposure and service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for emphysema and skin cancer have been withdrawn. The claim of an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's current skin cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and there is no evidence suggesting a connection to Agent Orange exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on her right foot disability and hemorrhoids have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims. The effective date for a 20 percent rating for hemorrhoids has been granted as June 21, 2004.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for melanoma, status post-excision, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise and thus affording the benefit of the doubt to the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, gastrointestinal disorder (bleeding stomach and bleeding from the bowels), skin cancer, and lumbar spine disorder, all of which were claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and hypothyroidism, both of which were claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that either condition was incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and his claim for an increased rating for PTSD are being remanded for additional development.