The Board granted service connection for the cause of death due to metastatic malignant melanoma, which was determined to be caused by toxic exposure during active duty. Accrued benefits were denied as no application was received within one year of the Veteran's death.

The deciding factor: The evidence was considered equally balanced, and reasonable doubt was resolved in favor of the appellant, leading to the grant of service connection for the cause of death. However, the claim for accrued benefits was denied due to a lack of timely application.

Claimed conditions

Metastatic malignant melanoma

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

Agent Orange / herbicides

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 3, 2025

Citation

A25103966

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