Skin cancer Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for multiple melanomas due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's death prevented obtaining an adequate VA medical opinion, and the case is now returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors prior to the December 2024 rating decision on appeal and remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for skin cancer, including diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin.

The Veteran's skin cancer is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was caused by his service or any conceded exposures, including sun exposure and possible asbestos exposure from his MOS of Navy construction mechanic. The AOJ must also consider the Veteran's possible exposure to other toxic environments related to his MOS and shipboard service.

Service connection for skin cancer of the face and neck is granted due to exposure to burn pits during service. Service connection for skin cancer on other areas of the body not of the head and neck, spotty liver, and diverticulitis are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for skin cancer and multiple sclerosis, both of which are claimed to be due to exposure to burn pits during military service.

The Veteran's cystic kidney disease is granted with a 30 percent rating, effective August 9, 2023. The Veteran's left knee disability, left shoulder disability, low back disability, and sleep apnea are denied. Polycythemia is granted with a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's skin cancer and his military service, specifically prolonged exposure to sunlight. The VA will obtain a medical opinion on this issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination for service connection of skin cancer (nose). The Veteran is diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on the bridge of nose and exposure to herbicide agents, such as Agent Orange, during his active-duty service. Service connection can still be awarded on a direct basis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for metastatic melanoma, finding that it is related to in-service sun exposure.

The Board denied service connection for basal cell carcinoma and melanoma as there is no current evidence of these conditions, and the Veteran did not have them during his active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and skin cancer, due to asbestos exposure. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant private treatment records from the Veteran’s providers.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder, unspecified (grinding), left shoulder sprain, and shoulder right pain has been dismissed due to the issuance of a deferred rating decision.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral elbow pain and numbness, and bilateral hand arthritis and numbness has also been dismissed.

The Veteran is granted service connection for melanoma and facial scars as secondary to the removal of his service-connected melanoma. The claims are based on exposure to burn pits under the PACT Act.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's recurrent, metastatic malignant melanoma is etiologically related to his excessive, unprotected sun exposure during active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities not rendering him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 28, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, celiac sprue (celiac disease), and skin cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the case to address a CUE motion regarding a September 19, 1995 rating decision.