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Evidence checklist

Malignant Melanoma

DC 783338 CFR § 4.118Skin

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Pathology report with staging (Breslow depth, Clark level)Critical

The biopsy report confirming melanoma with staging information. Staging determines treatment intensity and prognosis.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking melanoma to sun exposure during serviceCritical

A medical opinion connecting your melanoma to outdoor military duties, deployments in sunny climates, or lack of sun protection during service.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

C&P examination

0 of 1 collected
Documentation of surgical scars for separate rating

Wide-excision surgery for melanoma leaves significant scars. After the treatment period, these scars should be measured for a separate scar rating.

VA-scheduled · request a copy on VA.govHow to get this →
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Oncology treatment records (surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy)Critical

Records showing exact dates of all cancer treatments. You get 100% from diagnosis through six months after the last treatment.

VA or private records · written request
Follow-up surveillance records

Records of ongoing cancer monitoring appointments. If melanoma recurs, a new period of 100% rating begins.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Skin DiseasesCritical

A standardized VA form documenting cancer diagnosis, treatment status, residual effects, and surveillance plan.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.