Citation Nr: 21072065
Decision Date: 12/02/21	Archive Date: 12/02/21

DOCKET NO. 17-34 291
DATE: December 2, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for skin cancer (melanoma) is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had active service in the Marine Corps from July 1971 to February 1973.

The appeal originates from a May 2017 decision of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office.

In November 2021, the Veteran withdrew his request for a hearing and asked that the Board proceed with adjudication on the evidence of record.

The Veteran contends that his diagnosed malignant melanoma was caused by intense sun exposure during service in Vietnam.  See February 2017 Medical Treatment Record; June 2017 NOD.  Service treatment records reflect a period of service in Vietnam before the Veteran was transferred for medical treatment elsewhere.  He was afforded a VA examination in May 2017 and diagnosed with malignant melanoma status-post surgery.  However, as an opinion was not requested as to direct service connection, a remand is necessary.  The Veteran's military personnel records should also be requested to ascertain his length of service in Vietnam.

The Board notes that the Veteran submitted a private opinion from a nurse practitioner in March 2018.  Though the opinion posits a possible connection between sun exposure and malignant melanoma, it appears to be speculative and does not specify whether the exposure referenced was during active service.  The Veteran cited a statement from a dermatologist linking his skin disorder to service, but no such opinion is of record.  See December 2016 Statement.  He is advised to submit it to the Board for consideration.

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain the Veteran's military personnel records and verify his period of service in Vietnam.

2. Then, request an addendum from the May 2017 skin examiner.  The examiner is asked to opine whether it is at least as likely as not that malignant melanoma had its onset in or is otherwise etiologically related to active service, including sun exposure in Vietnam.  The examiner should provide a thorough rationale that discusses the Veteran's symptom history and the relationship between sun exposure and malignant melanoma. 

 

MICHAEL A. HERMAN

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	M. Alhinnawi

The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.