Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. In 2025 alone, experts estimate there will be around 100,000 new melanoma diagnoses.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of skin cancers, making veterans deployed to sunny or tropical environments more at risk. But on top of over-exposure to UV light, veterans can develop certain types of skin cancer from exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxins during service.
In this article, we discuss the different types of skin cancer, the VA rating for skin cancer, and how Agent Orange and skin cancer are linked.
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In this article about the VA rating for skin cancer:
Veterans and skin cancer
Among all types of cancers diagnosed in veterans, melanoma is one of the most common. Research suggests that due to occupational hazards, veterans are more at risk of developing melanoma compared to civilians.
Two of the biggest hazards include serving in countries near the equator, where ultraviolet light is stronger, and being exposed to radiation from flying at high altitudes. Because of this, members of the Air Force should be screened for melanoma more frequently.
Other factors that can increase a veterans risk of developing skin cancer include:
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Long term exposure to UV radiation
- Lack of access to sun-protective measure like clothing, hats, and sunscreen
- Exposure to heat
- Exposure to toxins from burn pits
- Exposure to Agent Orange
Veterans with skin cancer caused by military service may be eligible for a VA rating for skin cancer. Below, we describe the different types of skin cancer, and how the VA rates them.
Types of skin cancer
Aside from a few very rare types, most skin cancers are divided into three major categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells, a type of cell in the skin that produces new skin cells when old ones die. This type of skin cancer typically forms on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the face, head, and neck.
Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. This type of skin cancer is most commonly caused by exposure to UV radiation. Squamous cell carcinoma manifests as a firm bump on the skin, called a nodule.
Melanoma starts in the melanocytes, which are the cells that make the pigment (melanin) that gives your skin its color. Melanoma usually forms on sun-exposed areas of the skin. It can appear as a new growth on the skin or can be a change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole.
VA rating for skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are rated using diagnostic code 7818 for malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma). Melanoma is rated under diagnostic code 7833 for malignant melanoma. While the diagnostic codes for the three types of skin cancer are different, their rating criteria is the same.
If you’re a veteran with any type of service-connected skin cancer that requires chemotherapy, radiation beyond the skin, or surgery more extensive than a local excision, you should qualify for a 100% VA rating for skin cancer. This 100% rating continues while the cancer is active and for six months after your treatment ends.
Veterans who do not qualify for a 100% rating are instead rated using the best fitting criteria for their situation under diagnostic codes 7800-7805 for scars and disfigurement of the face or neck. Your rating can be as low as 10% or as high as 80% using these diagnostic codes.
If you are physically impaired in another way because of your skin cancer, you will be rated using whichever diagnostic code fits best, under the appropriate body system. For example, if your skin cancer did not meet the 100% rating criteria listed here but caused nerve damage, you would be rated using a neurological diagnostic code.
Skin cancer VA rating after treatment
If you have severe skin cancer that qualifies for a 100% rating, you may be required to attend a compensation and pension (C&P) exam six months following your final treatment. A C&P exam allows a medical professional to assess your current level of disability and evaluate residual conditions such as scarring or health complications from treatment. The VA will assign new ratings that best fits the residual health issues or conditions, if applicable.
Does the PACT Act cover skin cancer?
Under the PACT Act, veterans exposed to burn pits during service who later developed melanoma are granted a presumptive service connection. If you’re diagnosed with a presumptive condition, you don’t have to prove there’s a connection between your condition and military service to be eligible for VA compensation. However, you do have to meet the time and place eligibility requirements.
Agent Orange and skin cancer
Agent Orange contains a carcinogenic chemical, dioxin, which is linked to a variety of health problems, including cancers. Studies have suggested that compared to the general population, veterans exposed to Agent Orange are more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer.
Unfortunately, the VA does not formally recognize a presumptive connection between Agent Orange and skin cancer. However, this does not mean veterans exposed to Agent Orange cannot get VA disability benefits for skin cancer.
Veterans will simply need to establish a connection between their service and the condition with the help of a doctor’s medical nexus and other supporting evidence.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There may be a link between exposure to Agent Orange and skin cancer. Research has suggested that compared to the general population, veterans exposed to Agent Orange are more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer. However, it’s important to note the VA does not formally recognize a presumptive connection between exposure to the chemical and any type of skin cancer.
Yes, you can get a VA rating for skin cancer connected to your military service. Unlike most other cancers, your rating will depend on the symptoms of your condition and what treatment is needed.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
