The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of exposure to nuclear testing at White Sands, New Mexico during service. The Board also noted that there was no in-service diagnosis or treatment for basal cell carcinoma and concluded that the current condition is not related to service.
The deciding factor: There is no objective evidence showing the Veteran visited White Sands, New Mexico during his active duty service, nor any indication of exposure to ionizing radiation. The earliest documented diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma was over 50 years after service ended.
- Claimed conditions
- basal cell carcinoma of the right ear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 6, 2016
- Citation
- 1645949
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 1645949.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's ear conditions, including bilateral otitis and basal cell carcinoma on the right ear. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion as to whether any diagnosed ear disorder or disability is at least as likely as not related to service-connected frostbite of ears.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his death. The claims are not considered active as the appellant is deceased.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is being remanded for further examination and consideration due to the need for additional evidence and a new opinion regarding its etiology.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the right ear. The Veteran's current lung disorder, diagnosed as mild chronic obstructive disease and benign granulomatous disease, is found to be related to his military service.
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