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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1645949.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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