To get Veterans Disability benefits for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), you will have to show the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that your condition has a military service connection. You’ll have to provide the VA with your current BCC diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event that contributed to your condition, and a medical nexus linking the two.
Generally, the VA may assign a 100% rating while BCC is active or being treated for malignancy, with reevaluation following completion of treatment. If you are coping with residual effects post-treatment of BCC, the VA could assign a disability rating based on things such as scarring or disfigurement, with percentages depending on severity and other factors.
If your request for VA disability benefits for basal cell carcinoma is denied, remember that you have access to legal help. Have a Veterans Affairs disability benefits claims lawyer review your case. Depending on the situation, your attorney may advise you to appeal the VA’s denial.
Steps to Get VA Disability Benefits for Basal Cell Carcinoma
When it comes to getting VA disability benefits for basal cell carcinoma, leave nothing to chance. Follow the steps below, since doing so could help you secure Veterans Disability benefits that serve you well as you care for your BCC:
- Receive a current diagnosis. Go to a doctor for a formal evaluation and diagnosis of your BCC. Your doctor can provide you with pathology reports and other medical evidence to support your VA disability claim.
- Establish a service connection. Take note of the direct service connection for VA compensation claims. You may need service records, duty locations, medical opinions supporting exposure or risk factors, or other evidence to help prove to the VA that your BCC is related to your military service.
- Obtain a nexus letter. It can be beneficial to get a VA nexus letter from your doctor that highlights how your BCC may be connected to your service time.
- File your claim. Submit your claim to the VA. When you do, provide the VA with the necessary paperwork, your medical records, a personal statement about your condition, and, when applicable, a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for skin conditions.
- Attend a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. The VA may require you to attend a C&P exam to assess the severity of the cancer and residual scars.
Veterans Disability lawyers can provide you with insights into how to prepare for a C&P exam and other topics specific to your case. If your VA disability claim for BCC has been denied, your lawyer can review your denial letter with you and help you decide which appeal option may work well for you.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
A Look at VA Disability Ratings for Basal Cell Carcinoma
In some cases, the VA may assign a 100% rating if basal cell carcinoma is active or for six months following treatment and requires extensive treatment. After treatment, the VA may assign a rating based on scars, disfigurement, or other residual effects. This rating may depend on the severity of these effects and their functional impact.
Your Veterans Disability attorney can give you information about the disability ratings that Veterans Affairs may assign for basal cell carcinoma. On top of that, they can share the current Veterans Disability compensation rates so that you have a good idea of how much money you could receive from the VA.
Unfortunately, there are times when veterans file VA disability claims for basal cell carcinoma, only to have their requests for benefits denied. At these times, Veterans Disability attorneys can assist with appeals.
What to Do if Your Request for VA Disability Benefits for BCC Is Denied
Do not wait to respond if you receive a denial notice from Veterans Affairs after you apply for VA disability benefits for BCC. Veterans Disability lawyers can learn about your denial, and they may encourage you to proceed with any of the following options for an appeal:
- Supplemental claim: You can provide the VA with new and relevant evidence.
- Higher–level review: A more senior adjudicator with the VA than the one who first reviewed your claim can take a look at it. They can determine if any errors were made that may have led to the original decision against you.
- Board appeal: You can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) and have a veterans law judge decide your case.
Typically, you have up to one year from the date that you receive your denial letter to appeal. Your Veterans Affairs disability benefits claims attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of different appeal options. From here, you and your lawyer can file your appeal and work toward proving that your disability benefits request is valid.
Ask for Legal Help if Your Request for Veterans Affairs Disability Benefits for Basal Cell Carcinoma Has Been Denied
You believe you have a strong case for getting Veterans Affairs disability benefits for basal cell carcinoma. Regardless, the VA denies your claim, and the future looks bleak. Thankfully, VA disability benefits lawyers are available to help you appeal promptly.
Marc Whitehead & Associates has earned more than 2,500 five–star reviews. Our team knows the challenges veterans face with claims involving the leukemia VA rating and others. With your basal cell carcinoma VA disability claim, we can tackle any challenges that you encounter and help you make informed decisions as your case moves forward.
Allow our attorneys to review your Veterans Disability case and discuss your legal options with you. Contact us today.
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