The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma with scarring due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision. The VA is required to obtain a new opinion addressing the etiology of these conditions, specifically whether they are proximately due to or the result of long-term immunosuppressive therapy used to treat Crohn's disease, any incremental increase in disability from this therapy, and exposure to ultraviolet light while on active service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the previous medical opinions were inadequate and required a new opinion addressing all relevant factors including the Veteran's use of immunosuppressive therapy for his service-connected Crohn's disease and potential exposure to ultraviolet light during service.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma with scarring
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2022
- Citation
- 22017657
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 22017657.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma is granted as secondary to his service-connected eczema and psoriasis. The initial compensable evaluation for toenail psoriasis remains denied.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis as the appeal is considered duplicative of a previous decision.
- Partly granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for neoplasm hard and soft tissue of the mouth was improper, as there is conflicting medical evidence regarding the cause of the condition. The Veteran's conditions are related to his active duty service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to squamous cell carcinoma, finding that there is no evidence linking it to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.
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