How to Get VA Disability for Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is a serious health concern for many veterans, particularly those who experienced prolonged sun exposure, chemical exposure, or radiation during military service.

The VA provides disability compensation for eligible veterans diagnosed with skin cancer, but proving service connection and understanding the rating criteria can be challenging.

This article from VA disability expert Brian Reese will cover:

How the VA rates different types of skin cancer

• Ways to establish service connection

• What medical evidence you need

• How to file and win your VA disability claim

Pro Tip: Are you looking for VA Disability Ratings for Skin Conditions? We cover a ton of them and their raitngs.

Summary of Key Points

• VA Disability Ratings for Skin Cancer: The VA assigns a 100 percent disability rating during active skin cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This rating continues for six months after treatment ends, after which the VA conducts a re-evaluation. At that point, any residual conditions such as disfigurement, scarring, or functional impairments are rated under Diagnostic Codes 7818 and 7833, with ratings ranging from 10 percent to 80 percent depending on severity.

• Establishing Service Connection: Veterans can establish service connection for skin cancer in three primary ways. Direct service connection requires evidence of an in-service exposure (such as sun exposure, chemicals, or radiation) and a nexus letter linking it to the skin cancer diagnosis. Presumptive service connection applies to melanoma and respiratory cancers for veterans exposed to burn pits under the PACT Act, meaning the VA assumes service connection without additional proof. Secondary service connection applies when skin cancer develops as a result of a service-connected condition, such as radiation treatment or immunosuppressant medications.

• Key Medical Evidence Needed for a Successful Claim: To secure VA disability benefits for skin cancer, veterans must provide a current medical diagnosis, along with service records proving in-service exposure to UV radiation, chemicals, or hazardous materials. A nexus letter from a medical provider is essential in directly linking the skin cancer diagnosis to military service. Additionally, lay statements from fellow service members can support exposure claims by providing firsthand accounts of environmental conditions that may have contributed to the veteran’s skin cancer.

• Filing and Appealing a VA Claim for Skin Cancer: Veterans can file their VA disability claim online through VA.gov, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, in person at a VA regional office, or with the assistance of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). If the claim is denied, veterans have options to appeal, including requesting a Higher-Level Review, filing a Supplemental Claim with new medical evidence, or submitting an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for further consideration.

Types of Skin Cancer Recognized by the VA

The VA recognizes several forms of skin cancer, which are rated under 38 CFR § 4.118:

#1. Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is rated under Diagnostic Code 7833.

• The VA assigns a 100 percent disability rating during active disease, including surgical, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures.

• This 100 percent rating continues for six months following the cessation of treatment.

After this period, the VA schedules a mandatory re-evaluation to assess any residuals, which are then rated under appropriate diagnostic codes, such as disfigurement, scars, or functional impairments.

#2. Malignant Skin Neoplasms (Other than Malignant Melanoma)

Cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma fall under Diagnostic Code 7818.

• Like malignant melanoma, these are rated at 100 percent during active disease and treatment.

• The 100 percent rating continues for six months after treatment ends.

After that, residuals are rated based on disfigurement, scarring, or functional limitations.

Residuals Evaluation

After the six-month period following treatment, the VA assesses residuals of skin cancer, which typically includes disfigurement of the head, face, or neck or scars:

• Disfigurement of the Head, Face, or Neck (Diagnostic Code 7800): Ratings range from 10% to 80%, depending on the severity and characteristics of the disfigurement.​

• Scars (Diagnostic Codes 7801-7805): Evaluations depend on factors such as the size, location, pain, stability, and impact on the motion of the affected area.​

It’s important to note that the VA does not combine ratings for multiple skin conditions affecting the same area; instead, they assign a single rating reflecting the predominant disability. ​

How to Establish Service Connection for Skin Cancer

To receive VA disability for skin cancer, you must establish a service connection by showing that your cancer was caused or aggravated by military service.

There are three main ways to do this:

#1. Direct Service Connection

To establish a direct service connection, you need to prove:

• A current diagnosis of skin cancer.

• An in-service event or exposure that caused the condition.

• A nexus linking your cancer to military service.

Common in-service risk factors for skin cancer include:

• Prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection

• Chemical exposure (e.g., burn pits, Agent Orange, petroleum products)

• Radiation exposure (e.g., nuclear tests, radar equipment)

Example: A veteran who served in desert environments (Iraq, Afghanistan) with prolonged UV exposure and later developed skin cancer may have a direct service connection.

#2. Presumptive Service Connection

Some veterans qualify for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act for Burn Pit Exposure:

• Melanoma and respiratory cancers are considered presumptive for veterans with burn pit exposure.

• Other skin cancers may still qualify but require additional medical evidence and a nexus to military service.

To qualify for a presumptive condition, a veteran must provide medical records confirming the diagnosis and service records (such as a DD 214) proving exposure history.

#3. Secondary Service Connection

If your skin cancer developed due to another service-connected disability, you may qualify for secondary service connection.

Examples of secondary connections:

• Radiation therapy for a service-connected condition causing secondary skin cancer

• Immunosuppressant medications for a service-connected disability leading to skin cancer

VA Disability Ratings for Skin Cancer – Key Factors Explained

The VA rates skin cancer under Diagnostic Codes (DCs) 7818 and 7833 in 38 CFR § 4.118.

If Skin Cancer is Active (Under Treatment)

• 100% disability rating is assigned during active cancer or treatment (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, surgery)

• This continues for 6 months after treatment ends

After Cancer Treatment – Residual Ratings

After 6 months, the VA re-evaluates based on residuals.

#1. Scarring (Diagnostic Codes 7800-7805)

• Disfigurement of the Head, Face, or Neck: 10% – 80% rating

• Painful or Unstable Scars: 10% – 30% rating

• Large scars affecting function: Rated based on limitation of motion

#2. Disfigurement or Functional Impairment

• If skin cancer causes tissue loss, deformity, or functional loss, the VA assigns a rating based on the severity of the impairment, including potential additional ratings for muscle or nerve damage.

Example: A veteran who had melanoma removed from the face with significant scarring and tissue loss may receive a higher rating under DC 7800.

Key Medical Evidence for a VA Skin Cancer Claim

To win your VA claim for skin cancer, you should gather:

• VA and Private Medical Records – Diagnosis, pathology reports, treatment records

• Service Treatment Records – Documentation of in-service exposures (e.g., deployment in high UV areas)

• Nexus Letter – An independent medical opinion from a doctor linking skin cancer to military service

• Lay Statements – Lay evidence (statements) from you or fellow service members confirming exposure

How to File a VA Claim for Skin Cancer

Step #1: Gather Evidence

Before filing your VA disability claim for skin cancer, ensure you have:

• A confirmed diagnosis of skin cancer

• Evidence of in-service exposures

• A Nexus Letter from a medical provider

Step #2: File Your Claim

• Online through VA.gov

• By Mail using VA Form 21-526EZ

• In-Person at a VA regional office

• With Help from a VSO

Step #3: Attend a C&P Exam

The VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam to evaluate your condition and any residual effects.

What to Do if Your VA Skin Cancer Claim is Denied

• Request a Higher-Level Review (HLR) if you believe an error was made

• File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with new and relevant medical evidence

• File a Board Appeal if you disagree with the decision

Conclusion & Wrap-Up: Take Action Now on Your VA Skin Cancer Claim!

Skin cancer is a serious health concern for veterans, and the VA offers disability compensation for those who can establish a service connection.

Whether through direct, presumptive, or secondary service connection, understanding how to navigate the claims process is crucial to securing the benefits you’ve earned.

To maximize your chances of approval:

• Gather strong medical evidence, including service records and a nexus letter.

• Understand the VA’s rating system for skin cancer and residual conditions.

• Be prepared for a C&P exam and know your rights if your claim is denied.

Many veterans don’t realize they qualify for VA benefits for skin cancer, leaving money and benefits on the table.

Don’t be one of them!

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