The veteran's death is caused by squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, which was presumed to have been incurred due to his exposure to mustard gas during active service. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as the cause of death has already been established.
The deciding factor: The veteran had full-body exposure to mustard gas during his military service, which caused him to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that metastasized and led to his death.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2007
- Citation
- 0729497
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 0729497.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the AOJ did not fully consider the Veteran's reported toxic exposures in service, and thus remanded for appropriate TERA development.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin was dismissed because it was duplicative of a previous appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer is remanded due to a lack of an opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a skin condition (squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) are remanded due to new evidence received, including exposure to herbicide agents during service. VA examinations are required to determine if these conditions are related to service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.