Military service can expose veterans to a wide range of environmental hazards, including toxic chemicals and over-exposure to sunlight, which can increase the risk of developing serious medical conditions such as squamous cell carcinoma. Veterans who are diagnosed with this condition may be eligible for VA disability benefits, especially if linked to service-related exposures like burn pits or extensive sun exposure.
How the VA Rates Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The VA rates squamous cell carcinoma under diagnostic code 7818, which is used for malignant skin neoplasms.
Veterans with active squamous cell carcinoma that requires treatments such as systemic chemotherapy, radiation beyond the skin, or surgery more extensive than a local incision may qualify for a 100% VA disability rating during the active phase of treatment. This rating remains in place until six months after treatment ends.
After the six-month period, veterans will need to undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess their current condition. If the cancer caused lasting effects like painful scarring, disfigurement, or functional limitations, the VA may assign a rating based on these residual conditions.
Rating Percentages
- 100% (temporary) – Active squamous cell carcinoma or treatment requiring extensive intervention
- 0% or higher – Residual conditions such as scarring, disfigurement, or limited range of motion (depending on severity)
If your claim for squamous cell carcinoma or a claim for residual conditions has been denied or you believe you were underrated, contact us for a free case evaluation to explore your options.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Presumptive Service Connection under the PACT Act
Under the PACT Act and VA regulations (§ 3.320), squamous cell carcinoma is considered a presumptively service-connected condition for veterans exposed to fine particulate matter, such as from burn pits, during qualifying periods of service. Veterans who served in locations like the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War, or in Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, or Uzbekistan after September 19, 2001, are presumed to have been exposed to these harmful particles.
For those exposed, squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, trachea, and lung is automatically considered service-connected if it develops at any time following separation from military service. This presumption means that veterans do not need to prove a direct link between their cancer and their service, making it easier to qualify for VA disability benefits.
Getting VA Disability for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
To obtain a VA rating for squamous cell carcinoma, you will need several pieces of evidence to support your claim:
- Medical records detailing the diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.
- Military service records showing potential exposure to toxins, sun, or burn pits during service.
- A nexus letter from a healthcare provider linking your squamous cell carcinoma to your military service.
For conditions that are not presumptive, establishing this link is essential to receiving compensation. Work with your doctor to build a strong case that clearly connects your cancer to your time in service.
Winning VA Disability Claims: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Case Example
In this case, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from February 1958 to January 1960 filed a claim for disability benefits due to skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis. Initially, the veteran received a noncompensable (0%) disability rating. The veteran believed that their condition warranted a higher rating and appealed for a 10% disability rating retroactive to the original effective date of service connection, August 23, 2012. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals reviewed the evidence, and the case moved forward.
The Board ultimately decided to grant a 10% disability rating, retroactive to August 23, 2012. The veteran’s skin cancer and residuals were found to affect at least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body, which warranted a higher rating.
Key Factors That Contributed to Winning the Claim:
- Detailed Medical Evidence: The veteran’s claim was supported by strong medical opinions from two treating physicians, Dr. J.B. and Dr. J.L., who provided detailed reports regarding the veteran’s long-term sun exposure during service and the resulting damage. They indicated that skin cancer and precancerous lesions affected multiple areas of the body, including the face, neck, scalp, chest, and arms.
- Consistent Symptom Documentation: Both the veteran and their physicians documented a clear history of persistent skin issues and ongoing treatments since August 23, 2012, showing that the condition had not improved and continued to affect over 5% of the body.
- Thorough VA Examination: During the VA examination in April 2016, the examiner confirmed the presence of multiple small, non-disfiguring scars across the body. This objective evidence aligned with the veteran’s statements and medical records.
- Personal Statements: The veteran’s personal testimony at the Board hearing was critical. The veteran clearly expressed that their symptoms had remained consistent since the filing of the claim, reinforcing the need for a retroactive rating adjustment.
By providing comprehensive medical evidence, consistent documentation of symptoms, and personal testimony, the veteran successfully appealed for a 10% disability rating for skin cancer and residuals.
My Claim Was Denied, What Can I Do?
If the VA denied your claim for squamous cell carcinoma, don’t give up. Veterans have several options for appealing the decision:
- File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) within one year of the decision.
- Request a Higher-Level Review of your case by a senior VA official.
- Submit a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence.
Each of these options has specific requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly. Contact us for a free review of your case, and we can help you determine the best course of action to secure the benefits you deserve.
How to Increase the VA Rating
If you believe your rating for squamous cell carcinoma is too low, you can take steps to increase it. Veterans may be able to secure higher ratings if they can demonstrate residual conditions resulting from their cancer, such as:
- Painful or unstable scars
- Disfigurement of the face, neck, or head
- Limited range of motion due to scarring
Each of these conditions has its own diagnostic code and corresponding rating percentage. If your cancer treatment has left lasting effects, ensure that these residuals are fully documented and included in your claim.
100% VA Rating for Residuals with TDIU
While active, squamous cell carcinoma qualifies for a 100% VA disability rating. However, veterans may still be able to achieve Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if their residual conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
To qualify for TDIU, veterans must meet one of the following criteria:
- One disability rated at 60% or higher OR;
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of at least 70%, with one rated at 40% or higher
If your squamous cell carcinoma and its residuals prevent you from working, TDIU benefits can provide the compensation you need.
Content Reviewed by
Cassandra, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
