The Veteran's skin cancer and associated scars are rated based on their specific manifestations, but do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of systemic involvement or impairment of function. The current ratings assigned under the applicable diagnostic codes adequately capture the severity of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's skin cancer has been diagnosed as malignant basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, along with malignant melanoma. Treatment has been confined to the skin, without requiring therapy comparable to that used for systemic malignancies or surgery more extensive than wide local excision. The scars are rated separately under Diagnostic Code 7818.
- Claimed conditions
- skin cancer, residual scars, status post malignant melanoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2016
- Citation
- 1637473
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 1637473.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service connection claims for skin cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the evidence does not support a causal relationship to active military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation and service connection was denied due to a late filing of the Board Appeal request.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for skin cancer has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, an initial rating greater than 10 percent for right knee strain with limitation of flexion, and an initial compensable rating for right knee strain with limitation of extension. The TDIU claim is also remanded.
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.