★ Cancer / PACT Act
Melanoma VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833; PACT Act presumptive (38 CFR § 3.320)
Overview
PACT Act presumption applies to qualifying burn pit / airborne hazard veterans.
After treatment, residuals are rated under scars (DC 7800–7805), lymph-node involvement, or other affected systems.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive (PACT Act).
- Direct: documented sun/UV/radiation exposure or in-service onset.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833; PACT Act presumptive (38 CFR § 3.320)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | During active malignancy and for 6 months after completion of treatment (DC 7833). |
| Variable | After 6 months: residuals — scars, lymph node dissection sequelae, metastases. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Pathology with Breslow depth and staging.
- Excision records.
- Lymph node biopsy results.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Melanoma:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Melanoma claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.