The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Merkel cell carcinoma, finding that it did not manifest during or as a result of his military service, including any herbicide exposure. The Board noted there was no evidence linking the cancer to service and found the Veteran's assertions regarding sun and herbicide exposure were not supported by medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no link between the Veteran's Merkel cell carcinoma and his military service, including any herbicide or sun exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22044525
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 22044525.
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: Granted
The Veteran's Merkel cell carcinoma is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Merkel cell carcinoma, finding that it was caused by herbicide agent exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for Merkel cell carcinoma, left knee disability, and neck disability to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for Merkel cell carcinoma based on the Veteran's presumed exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
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