The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right parotid/neck area, claimed as melanoma, and for an increased evaluation for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right hip and buttock. The Board found no evidence linking the cancer to service or Agent Orange exposure, and concluded that the muscle injuries did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's squamous cell carcinoma was not shown by competent medical evidence to be related to service, including as a result of exposure to herbicides. The Board also found no evidence supporting a higher evaluation for his gunshot wound residuals.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the right parotid/neck area (claimed as melanoma), gunshot wound to the right hip and buttock
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 25, 2006
- Citation
- 0633042
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0633042.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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