Skin cancer Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and malignant melanoma, as due to exposure to ionizing radiation, are not well-grounded. As a result, these claims must be denied.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for skin cancer as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran prior to any decision being made.

The Board found that the veteran's colon cancer and skin cancer are not causally related to any in-service radiation exposure, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's multiple skin cancers and sarcoma of the right groin are not service-connected, as they were not caused by exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a malignant melanoma is plausible and grants the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for skin cancer and a thyroid condition, both claimed as secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The Board denied service connection for lung disorder, facial burns, posterior subcapsular cataracts, and skin cancer due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's skin cancer, finding that new and material evidence supports reopening of this claim.

The Board found that the appellant's claims for service connection were not well-grounded, as there was no medical evidence linking his claimed conditions to service or any inservice exposure. The claim for cold injury residuals and back problems is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and kidney disorder were not incurred in service, and his skin cancer claim was not well-grounded due to lack of evidence linking it to radiation exposure during service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for metastatic small cell carcinoma, basal cell cancer, and squamous cell skin cancer in situ as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. The cancers were not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fatal melanoma, which caused his death, was likely due to excessive sun exposure during his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for several conditions and assigned ratings, including a 40 percent rating for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine effective March 8, 1995.

The Board has determined that the veteran's actinic related skin disorders, including squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, are directly linked to significant sun exposure during his military service. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected skin disorder (Generalized dermatitis), chronic bronchitis, and pilonidal cyst. The effective date is not specified as it was a direct grant of benefits without reopening an old claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer, including as due to radiation exposure in Japan during his military service, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded and therefore denied. The veteran is currently rated at 50% for eczematoid dermatitis.

The Board found that the veteran's service from October 5, 1955 to February 15, 1960 did not constitute a bar to payment of VA benefits due to his discharge under other than honorable conditions.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's diagnosed malignant melanoma and metastatic brain tumor to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's actinic keratoses and skin cancer have resulted in periodic ulceration or crusting, and in periodic systemic manifestations. The skin disorder is rated at 50 percent.