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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0729497.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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.
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