The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left central malar cheek is granted based on the PACT Act presumption. The issue of service connection for skin cancer, other than the benefit granted above, must be remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The decision grants service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left central malar cheek due to the PACT Act presumption based on presumed exposure to burn pits and other toxins (BPOT). The skin cancer issue is remanded as it may provide additional benefit in terms of an earlier effective date.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the left central malar cheek, skin cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24057498
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 A24057498.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation and service connection was denied due to a late filing of the Board Appeal request.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for skin cancer has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.
- 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.
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