Fax. Tyrues v. Sarcoidosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with a small or early. The VA presumes that the following symptoms are related to Gulf War service if they appeared during service and have persisted for six months or more, and are at least 10% debilitating: Chronic fatigue syndrome. Basal cell carcinoma. If you have a health condition caused by exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during your service, you may be. The below list is not all-inclusive. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable when found early, so knowing the warning signs is important. Over the years, the Australian actor has had several basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) removed. In June 2010, the RO notified the Veteran of a rating decision proposing to reduce the assigned disability rating for his service-connected lung cancer from 100 percent to 0 percent. Calzavara-Pinton PG, Venturini M, Sala R, et al. The VA disability rating for skin cancer is divided into two categories: non-lethal basal and squamous cell carcinomas (7818) and potentially lethal malignant melanoma. Hugh Jackman knows a lot about skin cancer. Here’s the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA… This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation. VA Disability Ratings for Cancer and Residual Effects If you are service connected for an active cancer, VA should automatically assign a 100 percent disability rating . F. Not seeking care for concerning skin lesions is a big factor in the development of advanced stage skin cancer. However, its association with the basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma-the two most common types of skin cancer-has been unclear. Contact our office today for a free consultation at 800-544-9144. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is a group of defects passed down through families. A white, waxy or yellow scar-like area. Non-small-cell carcinoma--inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic disease to or beyond the hilar nodes. In April 2023, Jackman posted an Instagram video after having two new biopsies on lesions that his dermatologist identified as potential BCCs. Signs of basal cell carcinoma include: Lumps, bumps, pimples, scabs or scaly lesions on your skin. g. Can be mistaken for: A mole, wart, or other harmless growth. The overall objective of the guideline is to provide up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for the management of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Different types of surgery can be used to treat basal cell cancers. It usually develops on parts. Beta radiation can penetrate only a very short distance in human tissue. Consider under a disability until at least 18 months from the date. 17(18)-. Also Check: Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome. This claim is limited to entitlement to compensation for residuals of basal cell carcinoma on the Veteran's left nasal tip, right nasal tip, and left jaw line. The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health. Learn more about basal cell cancer signs & symptoms, and how MSK experts can help. Citation Nr: 1512923 Decision Date: 03/26/15 Archive Date: 04/03/15 DOCKET NO. AirCav8. Updated Gulf War Presumptive List for 2022. 73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient. Effective April 26, 2022, the VA established an interim final rule (87 FR 24421) that identified a link between military service in qualifying areas of certain countries and the following nine rare respiratory cancers:Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynxIn our example of a Veteran with 70% disability rating, your total monthly payment amount would be: $1,907. Most nonmelanoma skin cancers are either basal cell or squamous cell cancers. Veterans from every country that made up the Coalition forces have been affected. Nonetheless, skin malignancies such as malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are not among the disorders listed at 38 C. INTRODUCTION. firm, flesh-coloured or slightly reddish bump, often with a pearly border; may have small surface blood vessels giving it a red colourOne study 21 that was included in our review analyzed 216 patients with CSCC and basal cell carcinoma and CPNI and IPNI. Expert consensus. Posted on March 4, 2020 in Skin Cancer Risks & Prevention. As new skin cells are produced, they push older cells toward the skin's surface, where the old cells die and are sloughed. Pilocytic astrocytoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, 1 and with a steadily increasing prevalence particularly among older adults. The new rating schedule added several new diagnostic codes and ensured that women and men veterans were equally evaluated. It may be used to treat small, superficial BCC on the neck, trunk of the body, arms or legs. 619 became effective on October 1, 2023. The most recent version, effective as of 2018, applies only to squamous and basal cell skin cancers of the head and neck area (lip, ear, face, scalp, and neck). (2). ÐÏ à¡± á> þÿ š › þÿÿÿ. Consider under a disability until at least 18 months from the date. Gulf War Illnesses SW Asia. The DoD will also rate service-connected Skin conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. § 3. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. info@cck-law. In a nutshell, the VA’s disability rating criteria for scars is based on multiple factors: Pain. The examiner made the following diagnoses: (1) basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in above described areas of head, chest and back, related to sun exposure; (2) actinic keratosis -this is a an indolent potential precursor to squamous cell carcinoma, as per literature review, the risk of malignant transformation of the average. Their incidence is increasing throughout the world. 4. Treatments for this type of cancer generally include removal of the cancer by surgery, freezing, or use of creams. 5002 Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or. Usually, a small, shiny bump appears on the skin and enlarges slowly. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is a group of defects passed down through families. 311 or. For the entire population, a regression rate of 41. Skin cancers – Extended exposure to Agent Orange may increase the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. BCC also. Bladder cancer, code 7528. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the U. The disability rating for HPV is the aggregate of the ratings for the symptoms (residuals) of HPV. 1% of patient deaths from cancer. If the biopsy removes the entire tumor, it’s often enough to cure basal and squamous cell skin cancers without further treatment. Millions of people are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma each year, with about 2 million of those people residing in the United States. With early diagnosis and treatment, most skin cancer is curable, but this disease can cause pain, nausea, and fatigue. Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung. This includes service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and certain other areas. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly occurring cancer in the world with an estimated overall lifetime risk of 20 to 30 percent. 0%-rated veterans are eligible for up to $10,000 in coverage. Pleuritis. Disability payment amounts depend on your marital status as well as how many dependents you are caring for. If you have a suspicious spot on your skin, need an annual skin check, or have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancer, Braun Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is here to help you. BCC is a type of skin cancer that affects basal cells, which are found in the lower parts of your epidermis. He or she has a disability that VA has determined to be compensable under 38 U. A November 2003 private progress note shows that the Veteran most recently had had the basal cell carcinoma on the bridge of his nose. As a result of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, VA added three new conditions that are related to exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides: bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism (also known as Parkinson-like conditions). 1304. It’s a highly curable cancer with both surgical and nonsurgical therapies, especially if treated early. Entitlement to a compensable disability rating for actinic keratosis, multiple, with basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma excisions, claimed as a skin condition, prior to April 7, 2017, and in excess of 10 percent, thereafter. The incidence of basal cell carcinoma shows marked geographical variation. We use your disability rating to determine how much disability compensation you’ll receive each month, as well as your eligibility for other VA benefits. This rating continues for as long as the cancer is active, and then for another six months following the successful completion of a treatment program, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the second most common cancer that occurs in scar tissue. Freezing: The procedure is called cryosurgery (cry-oh-sur-jer-ee), and it can be performed during an office visit. Medical EvidenceNodular basal cell carcinoma is the most common subtype and presents as a pink, pearly papule with overlying telangiectasias and rolled borders. When left untreated, especially if the carcinoma is morpheaform, it can destroy muscles, nerves. Other common signs include jaw cysts, pits on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, calcium deposits in the brain, developmental disability, and skeletal (bone) changes. § 20. 2. The accredited attorneys and claims agents at CCK have decades of experience assisting veterans in their pursuit of VA benefits. § 20. Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for actinic keratosis with residual scarring from basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas (skin disability). In this study, it was determined that even forty years after exposure, there remains a greater chance for. September 2015 private treatment records note a well-healed right nasal scar and non-suspicious nasal lesions or on the surrounding skin. 7. 800-827-1000. Melanoma is much less common than the other types but much more likely to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. 2. Basal cell carcinoma in particular on the face, ears and neck usually looks like a white or waxy bump that may bleed, crust over, or has a depression in the center. § 3. The claimant must furnish medical evidence of a radiogenic disease listed in 38 CFR 3. As its names implies, BCC derives from cells of the epithelial basal cell layer. Non-small-cell carcinoma--inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic disease to or beyond the hilar nodes. That increased the disability payments of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans. McDonough said Thursday. With a 0 percent VA disability rating, you’ll also have the right to apply for life insurance through the VA with the Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) program. for entitlement to a higher disability rating that would not be satisfied by demonstrating a noticeable worsening or increase in. Most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma. This. Those who got the carotenoids had an almost 50% reduced risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the subsequent 8-year follow-up. Basal cell carcinoma of the skin; Bone cancer (outside of spine) – Ewing Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma; Bile duct cancer. Updated: June 16, 2023 VA Updates Disability Rating Schedule Related to Skin Conditions In August 2018, VA made updates to all 15 body systems included in the. This rating continues for as long as your cancer is active, and then for another six months following the successful completion of a treatment program, such as chemotherapy. For us to consider your claim fully developed, you’ll need to: Submit your completed Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ), and Submit all the evidence (supporting documents) you have—or can easily get—along with your claim, and Certify that there’s no more evidence we might. opacities, scar formation, or the following cancers: Nasopharyngeal; laryngeal; lung (except mesothelioma); or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. It develops in the basal cells, which originate in the lowest level of the epidermis. The VA disability lawyers at Chisholm, Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help with your appeal for disability benefits based on your basal cell carcinoma. Which treatment is best for you depends on the type, location and size of your cancer, as well as your preferences and ability to do follow-up visits. Some examples of ratings tables for the. When these cells become cancerous, they usually turn into small skin tumors that can destroy skin and nearby tissues. Using the formula, the VA will assign you a disability of 60%, 30%, 10%, or 0%, based on how much of your body is affected by the skin condition or how much treatment you require. Stability. We assign you a disability rating based on the severity of your service-connected condition. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans, yet it accounts for less than 0. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM C44. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), previously known as basal cell epithelioma, is the most common cancer in Humans. Based on the severity of the service-connected condition, the VA assigns a rating from 0 percent to 100 percent. Email. If you already made a kidney cancer disability claim, and the VA either denied it or awarded a lower disability rating than you think you deserve, contact the. It also includes statements from two non-VA treatment providers, both of which relate the Veteran's recurrent basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma to exposure to sun during his service. 00E3c). A bump with a rolled edge. 60%: The exacerbations experienced occur two or three times per year and typically lasted a week or more at a time. A. If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. This rating instruction does not apply to DC 7824 7806 Dermatitis or eczema. In the U. If VA denied you disability benefits for your service-related gastrointestinal cancer, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help. Basal cell cancer (BAY-zul sell can-sur): The most common type of skin cancer. Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). S. Compensation provides tax-free monthly payments. They can grow large over time, causing damage around. (Courtesy of author). Short description: Basal cell carcinoma skin/ left upper limb, inc shoulder The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM C44. It commonly occurs on the head and neck, and it is a slow-growing papule that will often ulcerate and bleed. The most common signs include: Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, often on your face, hands or neck. 401-421-3185. The grant of entitlement to service connection for renal cell carcinoma, bony metastases as secondary to the renal cell carcinoma, and the Veteran's cause of death due to renal cell carcinoma, renders moot the claim for benefits under the provisions of 38 U. been found in numerous studies to be linked to an increases risk of metastasis of skin cancers such as melanoma and basal cell carcinomas. A VA disability attorney can help you get the veteran disability benefits for cancer that you deserve, even if you’ve received a previous denial on your claim. Gulf War-related disabilities such as medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness are only one group of presumptives. Clinical features . VA Disability Rating for Skin Conditions. 80 percent. Procedure Manual. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are all skin cancers caused by exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays—from natural and artificial sunlight. § 4. 5. Findings are of dermal masses of varying sizes and shapes composed of basophilic cells with large oval rather uniform nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Basal cell carcinoma occurs when one of the skin's basal cells develops a mutation in its DNA. Definition / general. Adenosquamous carcinoma of. F. The main risk factors include UV radiation, male sex, light skin type, advanced age, long-term immunosuppression, a. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. If you are a veteran with disfiguring or painful skin conditions and scars, the VA may owe you disability compensation. Expert Analysis Skin Cancer and VA Disability by Brian Hudson Sep 5, 2021 A young Marine at sick call with extreme sunburn. The Veteran was diagnosed with larynegeal cancer in 2003 and completed radiation treatment that same year. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. OR . 8 million cases discovered annually, occurring with greatest frequency among the Caucasian and elderly populations. Patients should tell their doctor if their basal cell carcinoma is painful, bleeding, has a crawling sensation or other neurologic symptoms. It also may appear as a firm red lump. Causes. R. increased by 77 percent between 1994 and 2014. Examples of other presumptive conditions include veteran exposure to. It usually starts in the keratinocytes or melanocytes. WASHINGTON, DC — Nine new rare respiratory cancers are now on the VA’s list of presumed service-connected disabilities for certain veterans exposed to fine particulate matter during military service. No conditions were removed from the new rating schedule for skin conditions. Basal Cell Skin Cancer, 2022 1 Basal cell basics Skin basics Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. m. R. Nonetheless, skin malignancies such as malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are not among the disorders listed at 38 C. Secondary glioblastoma. What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and usually the least dangerous type of skin cancer. Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation. The introductory paragraph in § 4. Citation Nr: 0702606 Decision Date: 01/29/07 Archive Date: 02/06/07 DOCKET NO. Basal cell carcinoma vs. § 3. Keratocystic odontogenic tumors, benign cysts in your jawbone that form from adolescence until about age 30. The document aims to: Offer an appraisal of all relevant literature up. A raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. Urinary bladder cancer. There are quite a few of these diseases on the VA Presumptive List, so we’ve organized them by body system. Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and. Email. Patients who have had basal cell carcinoma once have an increased risk of developing a recurrent basal cell cancer. in 2012, the most recent year new statistics were available. Prior to the announcement on the new presumptive diseases related to burn pits, 49% of veterans' claims for asthma, 55% of claims for sinusitis and 29% of those for rhinitis were rejected. So the cells have started to turn into cancer, but they have not yet spread or grown into surrounding areas of the skin. 6. Basal cell carcinomas are the most frequent skin cancers in the fair-skinned adult population over 50 years of age. ♠️. VA Disability Ratings for Head and Neck Cancers. BCC develops when there’s an. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for benefits for these diseases. We assign you a disability rating based on the severity of your service-connected condition. Department of Surgery . The VA Central Institutional Review Board approved this trial; all. Laryngeal cancer - squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, lymphoma, plasmacytoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. 9 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin daily for six months. 13-08 168 ) DATE ) ) On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Columbia, South Carolina THE ISSUE Entitlement to service connection for skin cancer, to include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC forms strands, cords, and islands of. Some studies have looked at skin cancer rates in the military by service. There were 66 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 34 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in patients exposed to Agent Orange. Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 4. Ive done a search and didnt see much relating to basal cell carcinoma. In situ means the cells are still in the place where they started to develop. Last updated: October 20, 2022. Image courtesy of Marcus M. Skin Conditions Overview. chapter 11;. A pearly or waxy bump on your face, ears or neck. See 38 C. Among men 50–64 years old, the group that includes most Vietnam veterans (see Table 6-1), however, the risk of dying from cancer exceeds the risk of dying from heart disease, the main cause of death in the United States, and does not fall to second place until after the age of 75 years (Heron. It seldom spreads to another part of the body. If you have an illness or other health condition that’s connected to your service as a Gulf War Veteran from 1990 to now, you may be eligible. Mohs surgery is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. military veterans, press, and government employees of the first Gulf War (as early as August 1990). Basal cell cancer is the most common form of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. The following list of rare respiratory cancers will be added to VA’s regulations through an Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on April 26, 2022: Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability benefits. S. If you have more than one disability, the VA uses a combined disability rating system. Note - The Veteran is applying to the U. San Francisco VA Medical Center . com. It is usually put on the growth or abnormal area once a day for several weeks. The bumps may break open and form a scab, sometimes with bleeding, or become flat, resembling a scar. A. BCC mostly arises on sun-damaged skin and rarely develops on the mucous membranes or palms and soles. Skin cancer can be grouped into two types: non-melanoma (also called. Carcinoma of the superior sulcus (including Pancoast tumors) with multimodal anticancer therapy (see 13. Treatments for this type of cancer generally include removal of the cancer by surgery, freezing, or use of creams. Only primary cancer may be considered a presumptive disease. Call 800-525-2225. Squamous cell carcinoma is not one of the diseases recognized by VA as causally related to exposure to herbicide agents used in Vietnam. Good thing is that they were small and caught. A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. Feb 16, 2016 #12. Citation Nr: 0904805 Decision Date: 02/10/09 Archive Date: 02/13/09 DOCKET NO. Basal cell carcinoma occurs when one of the skin's basal cells develops a mutation in its DNA. F. 2 Several factors have been blamed for the occurrence of BCC in scar tissue, but the main etiology has not yet been definitively. Of 6,385,378 users of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care in fiscal year (FY) 2019, 0. ) AHRQ Publication No. Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers. Our experienced VA disability attorneys may be able to help you secure VA disability benefits for small cell carcinoma. Most skin conditions—except for scars—are evaluated with the General Rating Formula. The disorder involves the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine glands, urinary and reproductive systems, and bones. The medical evidence of record indicates the Veteran's service-connected skin cancer has been diagnosed as malignant basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma during the appeal period. R. Thus, his exposure to herbicides is presumed. Entitlement to an increased initial disability rating for dysphagia, currently rated 30 percent disabling. VA automatically assigns a 100 percent disability rating to veterans with a service-connected active cancer, including head and neck cancers. This is the most common type of skin cancer. General Rating Formula For The Skin. VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. Prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, and small cell carcinoma also has a tendency to return at some point after it’s been successfully treated. Previous cutaneous injury, thermal burn, disease (eg cutaneous lupus, sebaceous naevus) Inherited syndromes: BCC is a particular problem for families with basal cell naevus. I developed several spots of basal cell carcinoma. The clinical features of SCC and BCC are well known, and, in most cases, proper diagnosis can be easily made on the basis of clinical information. 800-827-1000. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are locally destructive malignancies of the skin. The first noticeable symptom is usually a painless lump or swelling. S. S. Introduction and background. It is locally aggressive, may invade the skin and adjacent structures, including the muscles and bones, and has a low metastatic potential [ 1 ]. Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for actinic keratosis with residual scarring from basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas (skin disability). Basal cell carcinoma, also called epithelioma, is the uncontrolled growth of the skin's basal cells. F. A shiny or pearly pink, red, or flesh-colored bump. [email protected] left untreated are pre cancers that turn into basal cell carcinoma when two layers of the skin are affected, and if still not treated, turn into squamous cell. (ii) The term radiation-risk activity means:Citation Nr: 0719905 Decision Date: 07/02/07 Archive Date: 07/13/07 DOCKET NO. CSP #2019 - Basal Cell Carcinoma Chemoprevention Trial (B3C) Principal Investigator: Martin A. Some genodermatosis can predispose to formation of basal cell carcinomas at an earlier age. All melanomas qualify for presumptive service connection regardless of location. It can often be dismissed as a benign pimple or sore. If VA denied your claim for service-related reproductive cancer, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning is the major cause of BCCs and most skin cancers. It is an indolent primary cutaneous neoplasm arising from the basal layer of epidermis. Br J Dermatol. The skin appears shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. 2 BCC is typically a nonaggressive cancer: the tumors grow slowly and almost never metastasize (metastatic. 309(e). Cases of "aggressive and diffuse" non-melanoma skin cancers in TCDD-exposed veterans were first reported in plastic surgery journals in the mid-1980s. An Australian group of almost 300 people who had a history of skin cancer were given 2. An area of thickened skin. C. Cancer. When diagnosing basal cell carcinoma, symptoms may include: An open sore that won’t heal, but may bleed, ooze or crust. Camp Lejeune water contamination. Fair skin, blue eyes and blond or red hair — note; BCC can also affect darker skin types. VA disability ratings are percentages assigned in increments of 10 between zero and 100 that represent how much a service-related disability affects a veteran’s daily life, and how much compensation they receive. Sun damage ( photoageing, actinic keratoses) Repeated prior episodes of sunburn. General Rating Formula For The Skin For DCs 7806, 7809, 7813–7816, 7820–7822, and 7824: At least one of the following. The VA awards disability compensation for Skin conditions that are service-connected. R. 91 - other international versions of ICD-10 C44. 619 - other international versions of ICD-10 C44. Sometimes, the lump bleeds or develops a crust. BCC mostly arises on sun-damaged skin and rarely develops on the mucous membranes or palms and soles. Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, his skin disability, to include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis, is related to active service. These masses exhibit a peripheral cell layer demonstrating a palisading pattern of nuclei. If you are a veteran with disfiguring or painful skin conditions and scars, the VA may owe you disability compensation. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy in the United States. , it is on the ear or a hair-bearing lip, or it has grown into the small nerves in the skin). Skin basics Your skin is the largest organ of the body. 3. VA proposes clarifying this statement by noting that distinct disabilities may be assigned separate evaluations under this section, pursuant to. It seldom spreads to another part of the body. 2004. 5 mm 2 /mo. S.